Systems and methods for control of electronic parcel lockers

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices and methods for storage, delivery, receipt, and/or other handling of an item in an electronically controllable storage receptacle are disclosed. The disclosure provides features for keyless access to the storage receptacle by use of user access information, such as a PIN or bar code. Further, features are disclosed for receiving and/or transmitting data related to the recipient and the item to facilitate the various handling actions of the item.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. Thisapplication claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/015,309, filed on Jun. 20, 2014, andentitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC PARCEL LOCKERS,”the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Development

This disclosure relates to the field of the transportation, delivery,storage and/or other handling of one or several items and the field ofcommunication, tracking, and control of the transportation, delivery,storage and/or other handling of one or several items. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to such fields as they includeelectronic parcel lockers.

Description of the Related Art

Delivery and receipt of items from one person or company to another is acrucial need in today's economy. Ensuring fast, reliable and simplehandling of such items is therefore desirable. This is especially truewith items that are too large to fit in conventional mail boxes or PostOffice boxes. Further, the volume of “failed first attempts,” in which arecipient is unable to receive the first attempted delivery of an item,by the United States Postal Office in 2012 was over 135 million,presenting another issue with delivery that may be improved.

Existing methods and systems that allow for delivery and receipt ofitems are not convenient. For instance, failed first attempts andparcels that do not fit inside a recipient's mailbox may be brought backand stored behind the counter at a delivery service, such as the PostOffice. The recipient of the box must then travel to the deliveryservice, wait in line, and retrieve the parcel from an employee at thecounter. Or, a delivery agent must retry delivery by physically bringingthe parcel to the home or office of the recipient. In such cases, thedelivery agent and/or the recipient are inconvenienced. Further, thedelivery service may be closed when the recipient goes to retrieve it,or the delivery agent may not be working or may be running behind, orthe recipient may not be home or at the office when the item isre-delivered.

Further, conventional systems require physical keys to be used to accessstorage units. Difficulties are presented when keys are lost or stolen.Keys may also be easily duplicated and thus may not be the most securemeans for accessing a unit. The number of keys in existence for a unitalso requires tracking and keeping an inventory for the keys and theirwhereabouts, etc.

There is, therefore, a need for a simpler and more convenient method ofdelivery and receipt of items to a recipient to address theaforementioned issues. Toward this end, the present disclosure providessystems, devices and methods that allow for simpler and more convenientdelivery, receipt, storage and other actions related to the handling ofan item.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments described herein include a system for access to andstorage of an item. In some embodiments, the system may comprise aplurality of electronically controllable storage receptacles, wherein atleast one of the storage receptacles is configured to receive the item;and a control unit in communicating connection with the plurality ofreceptacles, wherein the control unit is configured to: receiveidentifying information corresponding to a recipient of the item,associate the recipient with user access information; generate noticeinformation, regarding the item, for transmission to the recipient,associate the user access information with the at least one of thestorage receptacles, receive access information via an interface, andprovide access to the at least one of the storage receptacles when thereceived access information corresponds to the user access information.

In some embodiments, the user access information is personalidentification information associated with the recipient.

In some embodiments, the notice information comprises the user accessinformation.

In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to generatethe user access information.

In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to prohibituse of the user access information to access the at least one of thestorage receptacles following providing access to the at least one ofthe storage receptacles.

In some embodiments, the user access information is a bar code and theinterface is a bar code scanner.

In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to associatethe user access information with the at least one of the storagereceptacles based on a priority function.

In some embodiments, the priority function comprises a parameter relatedto at least one of historical frequency of use of the system by therecipient and efficiency of use of the system by the recipient.

In some embodiments, the user access information is a PIN and theinterface is a number pad.

In some embodiments, the control unit further comprises a first side anda second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side comprisesa user interface and the second side comprises an agent interface,wherein the user interface comprises the interface and a plurality ofaccess points to the plurality of storage receptacles, and wherein theagent interface comprises rear access to the plurality of storagereceptacles.

In some embodiments, the agent interface further comprises a display; aninput device in communicating connection with the display; and a useraccess information generator in communicating connection with the inputdevice.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a first side and asecond side opposite the first side; and a rotatable frame, wherein thefirst side comprises a user interface and the second side comprises anagent interface, wherein the rotatable frame is coupled with theplurality of storage receptacles and the control unit such that rotationof the frame rotates the plurality of storage receptacles and thecontrol unit.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a storage receptaclemodule comprising at least one of the storage receptacles and configuredto be coupled to and decoupled from the system.

In some embodiments, the interface is configured to receive the useraccess information from a mobile device.

In some embodiments, the interface is a scanner and the user accessinformation is a QR code.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a user database.

In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to transmitthe notice information to the recipient.

Some further embodiments described herein include a method of storing anitem in a storage receptacle. In some embodiments, the method comprisesreceiving identifying information corresponding to a recipient of theitem; associating the recipient with user access information; generatingnotice information, regarding the item, for transmission to therecipient; associating the user access information with the storagereceptacle; receiving access information via an interface; and providingaccess to the storage receptacle when the received access informationcorresponds to the user access information.

In some embodiments, the user access information is a personalidentification code associated with the recipient.

In some embodiments, the notice information comprises the user accessinformation.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating the useraccess information.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises prohibiting use of theuser access information to access the storage receptacle followingproviding access to the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the user access information is a bar code, theinterface is a bar code scanner, and receiving access informationcomprises scanning the bar code.

In some embodiments, the user access information is associated with thestorage receptacle based on a priority function.

In some embodiments, the priority function comprises a parameter relatedto at least one of historical frequency of use of the system by therecipient and efficiency of use of the system by the recipient.

In some embodiments, providing access to the storage receptaclecomprises unsecuring the storage receptacle.

Some further embodiments described herein include a method of providingaccess to an item in a storage receptacle. In some embodiments, themethod comprises receiving access information corresponding to useraccess information, wherein the user access information corresponds tothe storage receptacle; electronically unsecuring the receptacle; andprohibiting use of the user access information to access the storagereceptacle following providing access to the storage receptacle.

Some further embodiments described herein include a system for storageof an item. In some embodiments, the system comprises means forreceiving identifying information corresponding to a recipient of theitem; means for associating the recipient with user access information,the means for associating the recipient in communicating connection withthe means for receiving identifying information; means for generatingnotice information, regarding the item, for transmission to therecipient, the means for generating in communicating connection with themeans for associating the recipient; means for associating the useraccess information with a storage receptacle, the means for associatingthe user access information in communicating connection with the meansfor associating the recipient; means for receiving access informationvia an interface, the means for receiving access information incommunicating connection with the means for associating the user accessinformation; and means for providing access to the storage receptaclewhen the received access information corresponds to the user accessinformation, the means for providing access in communicating connectionwith the means for associating the user access information.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises means for generatingthe user access information, the means for generating the user accessinformation in communicating connection with the means for generatingnotice information.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises means for prohibitinguse of the user access information to access the storage receptaclefollowing providing access to the receptacle, the means for prohibitingin communicating connection with the means for providing access.

In some embodiments, the means for providing access to the storagereceptacle comprises means for electronically unsecuring the storagereceptacle.

In some embodiments, the means for assigning a storage receptacle forthe item comprises means for assigning a storage receptacle for the itembased on a priority function.

Some further embodiments described herein include a system for providingaccess to an item in a storage receptacle. In some embodiments, thesystem comprises, means for receiving access information correspondingto user access information, wherein the user access informationcorresponds to the storage receptacle; means for electronicallyunsecuring the receptacle; and means for prohibiting use of the useraccess information to access the storage receptacle following providingaccess to the storage receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, thedisclosure will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough use of the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forma part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identifysimilar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrativeembodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claimsare not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, andother changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood thatthe aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein,and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined,and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of whichare explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a storage unit.

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a storagereceptacle that may be used with the storage unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B depicts a front view of one embodiment of a control unitconnected to storage receptacles that may be used with the storage unitof FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a control unitwithout storage receptacles that may be used with the storage unit ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 1D depicts a front view of an embodiment of a control unit withvarious accessibility features that may be used with the storage unit ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 1E depicts a perspective view of the control unit of FIG. 1B in apartially rotated configuration on a frame.

FIG. 1F depicts a back view of a closed back side of the control unit ofFIG. 1B.

FIG. 1G depicts a back view of an open back side of the control unit ofFIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an input devicethat may be used with the storage unit of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict front views of embodiments of a display screen thatmay be used with the storage unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an embodiment of a notice comprising useraccess information as a bar code that may be used with the storage unitof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an embodiment of customer postal boxesthat may be used with the storage unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic illustration of embodiments of communicatinginteractions within a storage unit having a receptacle unit and acontrol unit.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict block diagrams of different embodiments of a controlunit.

FIGS. 8-8F depict flow charts of different embodiments of operation ofthe control of a storage unit.

FIGS. 9-9A depict functional layouts of one embodiment of a storage unitsystem.

FIGS. 10-10K depict flow charts of different embodiments of operation ofthe control of a storage unit system.

FIGS. 11-11B depict flow charts of different embodiments of a method ofitem delivery utilizing a storage unit system.

FIGS. 12A-12B depict flow charts of different embodiments of a method ofitem delivery utilizing a keyless storage unit system.

FIGS. 13A-13B depict flow charts of different embodiments of a method ofitem retrieval utilizing a keyless storage unit system.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of delivery ofan item to a P.O. Box recipient using a storage unit.

FIG. 15 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of standarddelivery of an item using a storage unit.

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of retrievalof an item using a storage unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the development. In this description, reference is madeto the drawings wherein like parts or steps may be designated with likenumerals throughout for clarity. Reference in this specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may beexhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, variousrequirements are described which may be requirements for someembodiments but not other embodiments.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a storage unitconfigured for use in item distribution. The storage unit may be anelectronic parcel locker which acts as a parcel exchange point wherecustomers send paid parcels or retrieve delivered parcels fromelectronic parcel lockers located in convenient locations. The customersmay be customers who have registered to use the storage unit system, ormay be guest users who perform one or more discrete transactions withoutregistration. In some embodiments, the storage unit includes, forexample, a plurality of storage receptacles. In some embodiments, accessto the storage receptacles of the storage unit is controlled by acontrol unit. The control unit, in some embodiments, is configured tocommunicate information to, and receive inputs from a user, which may bea customer or an agent, and may, in response to those inputs, provideuser access to one or more of the storage receptacles. In someembodiments, a user may provide user access information, such as apersonal identification number (PIN) or an access code, which may beconfigured for one-time use, to the control unit in order to unlock andgain access to the storage receptacle. In some embodiments, the useraccess information is stored by the control unit. In some embodiments,the control unit of the storage receptacle may be further configured toallow the creation of the user access information for delivering to acustomer or of labeling for placement on an item. The user accessinformation may thus include, for example, a receipt with a bar code ora QR code presentable on a mobile device. The labeling may include, forexample, creation of identification labeling, mailing labeling, such as,for example, destination and/or return address, postage, or any otherdesired labeling.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to an item delivery system thatincludes a plurality of storage units. In some embodiments, theplurality of storage units and/or storage receptacles each communicatewith a central control unit. These communications relate to, forexample, the availability of storage receptacles at each of the storageunits and the priority of use of the storage receptacles by registeredusers. In some embodiments, the control unit uses this informationrelating to the availability and priority of storage receptacles todirect the flow of items to thereby maximize usage of the storagereceptacles. A person of skill in the art, having the instantspecification, will appreciate that a storage unit, and a deliverysystem disclosed herein may be used with diverse items and in diverseways.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a keyless storage systemthat allows for keyless retrieval of an item or parcel from a storagereceptacle. In an implementation, user access information, such as a PINor a bar code, and an interface, such as a number pad or scanner, areused for access to the storage receptacle. The number pad may receive aseries of numbers and/or letters, or a bar code scanner may read the barcode, and in response the control unit may unlock and/or open theassociated storage receptacle. The PIN may be a number, series ofalphabetic letters or an alphanumeric sequence of which a recipientalready has knowledge or possession. For instance, registered users ofthe system may be provided a PIN for future use of the system. The barcode may be a bar code printed on a receipt or a bar code such as a QRcode on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet.

In some embodiments, the user access information and identifyinginformation that corresponds to a recipient of the parcel is associatedwith the storage receptacle. User access information, that may begenerated by the control unit, may be provided to the recipient. In someembodiments, the user access information is put in the recipient's postoffice box or home mailbox, or it may be electronically delivered to therecipient, for example by electronic mail or text message. The controlunit may then receive user access information, and open or otherwiseunsecure the corresponding storage receptacle if the user accessinformation corresponds to the access information, and perform variousfunctions related to the user access information and identifyinginformation. In some embodiments, the control unit will remove orotherwise deactivate the user access information following its use suchthat it may only be used once to open the storage receptacle. In someembodiments, the control unit will prohibit use of the user accessinformation to access the storage receptacle after the receptacle isunsecured.

In some embodiments, information related to the efficiency and frequencyof retrieval of parcels by a specific recipient using the system overtime may be collected. This information may be analyzed and used infuture assignments of storage units for a particular recipient. In someembodiments, priority in use of the system is given to those recipientswith higher priority ratings as compared to other users of the system.In some embodiments, a registered user database is queried by thecontrol unit in various functions performed by the control unit.

As used herein, the term storage unit denotes a place which facilitatespick-up and drop-off of items. In some embodiments, the storage unit isintended to provide a location for short term storage of an item afteran item is dropped off or while the item is waiting to be picked up orreceived by an agent or customer. While some systems, devices, andmethods may be discussed under one subheading, the same systems,devices, and methods may be further discussed in other sections of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a storage unit 100. As depicted in FIG.1, a storage unit has a top 110, a bottom 112, a front 114, a back (notshown), a first end 118, and a second end 120.

Some embodiments of a storage unit 100 include features to facilitateplacement of the storage unit 100 and protection of the storage unit 100from the elements. In some embodiments, the storage unit 100 comprises abase 122. The base 122 is located at the bottom 112 of the storage unit100. In some embodiments, the base 122 is configured for securing thestorage unit 100 to a placement location, and is constructed of steel,concrete, aluminum, metal, a synthetic material, a natural material, orany other desired material. In some embodiments, the base 122 mayinclude features for securement, such as, for example, screws, bolts,nuts, clips, hooks, or any other desired securement feature. In someembodiments these securement features may be located on the sides, roof,and/or back of the storage unit 100 and/or control unit 144. Thesefeatures may include any features capable of securing the storage unit100 to the location at which the storage unit 100 is placed. In someembodiments, the base 122 is integrally formed as a non-removableportion of the storage unit 100, and provides a foundation or supportfor the storage unit as the storage unit 100 is installed or located ata site.

In some embodiments, the base 122 comprises an elevated base. Anelevated base is configured to elevate the storage unit 100 above thesurrounding ground level to thereby protect the storage unit 100 and thecontents of the storage unit 100. In some embodiments, the elevated baseis sized to prevent water from entering the storage unit 100.Specifically, the elevated base is sized to prevent water fromprecipitation, such as, from rain, or snow, from entering the storageunit 100, as well as to prevent any other liquids from flowing into orfrom entering into the storage unit 100.

As depicted in FIG. 1, some embodiments of the storage unit 100 includea roof 124. The roof 124 is positioned above the top 110 of the storageunit 100. The roof 124 is sized to cover some or all of the top 110 ofthe storage unit 100. In some embodiments, the roof 124 is sized so thatthe roof 124 covers a larger area than that occupied by the storage unit100.

The roof 124 may be made of a variety of materials, including, forexample, metal, man-made materials, natural materials, or any otherdesired material. The roof 124 may comprise a variety of shapes. In someembodiments, the roof 124 may comprise one or several substantiallyplanar surfaces, rounded or curved surfaces, or surfaces having anyother desired shape. The roof 124 may be positioned in any desiredangular position relative to the top 110 of the storage unit 100. Insome embodiments, the roof 124 is positioned parallel to the top 110 ofthe storage unit 100, or the roof is positioned non-parallel to the top110 of the storage unit 100. In some embodiments, when the roofcomprises a plurality of pieces, some pieces of the roof may bepositioned parallel to the top 110 of the storage unit 100, and somepieces of the roof 124 is positioned non-parallel to the top 110 of thestorage unit 100. The roof 124 as depicted in FIG. 1 comprises threesubstantially planar pieces angularly positioned relative to the top 110of the storage unit 100, a first substantially planar piece 126, asecond substantially planar piece 128, and a third substantially planarpiece 130. As depicted in FIG. 1, a plurality of planar pieces arearranged so as to allow complete coverage of the top 110 of the storageunit 100.

The storage unit 100 may comprise one or several receptacle units eachcomprising a plurality of storage receptacles 132. Each storagereceptacle 132 comprises a plurality of sides 134 and a door 136. Thecombination of the sides 134 and the door 136 defines a receiving volumeconfigured to receive and hold a deposited item.

The storage receptacles 132 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes.In some embodiments, the storage unit 100 comprises a plurality ofstorage receptacles 132 of different sizes. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 1,the storage unit 100 includes a first storage receptacle 132 a, a secondstorage receptacle 132 b that is smaller than the first storagereceptacle 132 a, and a third storage receptacle 132 c that is largerthan the first storage receptacle 132 a.

In some embodiments, the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132 isdynamically connected to the storage unit 100. In some embodiments, thedoor 136 of the storage receptacle 132 is dynamically connected to thestorage unit 100 so as to allow rotation of the door 136 relative to thestorage unit 100, so as to allow sliding movement of the door 136relative to the storage unit 100, or to allow any other desired movementof the door 136 relative to the storage unit 100.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, the door 136 of the storagereceptacle 132 is rotationally connected to one of the walls 134 of thestorage receptacle 132. In one specific embodiment, the door 136 of thestorage receptacle 132 is rotationally connected to one of the walls 134of the storage receptacle 132 via one or more hinges 138. As depicted inFIG. 1A, the connection of the door 136 to one of the walls of thestorage receptacle 134 allow rotational displacement of the door 136relative to the storage receptacle 134 and the storage unit 100.

In some embodiments, the storage receptacle 132 includes featuresconfigured to secure the door 136 of the storage receptacle. Thesefeatures may include, for example, a lock, a latch, or any othersecurement feature. In some embodiments, the lock is one of a mechanicallock, an electrical lock, and magnetic lock, or any other type of lock.In some embodiments, the securement feature is electronicallycontrolled, for example, by a control unit. For instance, anelectronically controlled lock on the door 136 may be unlocked uponpresentation of user access information 151 to an interface 150 on thecontrol unit 144, as discussed in further detail herein.

The securement feature may interact with cooperating structures tosecure and/or unsecure the door 136. The securement feature may belocated in any desired position on the storage receptacle. FIG. 1A showsone embodiment of a location of a securement feature 140 on the door 136of the storage receptacle 132. As depicted in FIG. 1A, the securementfeature 140 located on the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132cooperates with features of the walls 134 of the storage receptacle 132to secure and/or unsecure the door. In some embodiments, the securementfeature 140 may comprise a purpose built securement feature. In someembodiments, the securement feature may comprise a latching feature anda latch engagement and disengagement feature. The latching feature maybe configured to obstruct movement of a locked item. In the case of astorage receptacle 132, the latch lockingly engages the door 136 of thestorage receptacle 132 and obstructs movement of the door 136. In someembodiments, the latch engagement and disengagement feature may comprisecomponents and/or a mechanism interacting together to selectively allowthe engagement and/or disengagement of the latch. In some embodiments,the latch engagement and disengagement feature is a rotatable cylinderof a lock. In some embodiments, the latch engagement and disengagementfeature may comprise an electrical actuator connected to the latch. Anyof these and similar embodiments of the securement features may becontrolled electronically by, for example, the control unit 144.Further, a person of skill in the art will recognize that the presentdisclosure is not limited to any specific form of locking or anyspecific locking mechanism, but broadly encompasses any lock or form oflocking used in connection with the storage unit.

In some embodiments, the securement feature 140 is configured for remoteoperation. Specifically, in some embodiments, the securement feature 140is controllable in response to received signals, such as, for example,electric, light, optical, radio, or any other signal. The receivedsignals may come from the control 144 unit including a controller as isfurther described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, forexample, the securement feature 140 is controllably and electronicallydisengaged in response to receipt of valid access information, which maybe user access information 151, so as to allow access to the securementreceptacle 132.

In some embodiments, the storage receptacles 132 may be configured withfeatures to expedite recognition of an accessible storage receptacle132. Thus, in some embodiments, the storage receptacle 132 may compriseone or several receptacle designating features that facilitaterecognition of which of the several storage receptacles is accessible.In some embodiments, these receptacle features may include, for example,a feature configured to open the door 136 of the storage receptacle whenthe securement feature of the storage receptacle is disengaged such as,for example, a spring, a motor, or any other feature, a designator, suchas, for example, a light, or any other desired feature.

In some embodiments, a storage receptacle includes a light 142. Thislight 142 may be any desired type of light emitting object, such as, forexample, a light bulb, a LED, or any other light emitting object. Insome embodiments, the operation of the light 142 changes based on theaccessibility of any of the storage receptacles 132. Thus, if the light142 is normally on, the light 142 may be turned off to indicate that thestorage receptacle 132 is accessible. Similarly, if the light 142 isnormally turned off, the light 142 may be turned on to indicate that thestorage receptacle 132 is accessible. Similar techniques may be usedwith other indicators to designate which, if any, of the storagereceptacles 132 are accessible. In some embodiments the light islocated, for example, on one of the outside edges of the one of thewalls 134 of the storage receptacle 136. In some embodiments, and asdepicted in FIG. 1A, the light 142 is located along the outside edge ofthe wall 134 opposite the wall to which the hinges 138 are attached.

In some embodiments, light 142 may be disposed in the interior ofstorage receptacle 132. The light 142 is mounted on or within one of thewalls 134 or the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132. As depicted inFIG. 1A, the light 142 is mounted on the wall 134 opposite the door 136of the storage receptacle 132. The light 142 is configured for lightingwhen the storage receptacle 132 is accessible, and/or, when the door 136of the storage receptacle 132 is opened, thereby linking the operationof the light 142 to the position of the door. Advantageously, thelinking between the light 142 and the door 136 of the storage receptacle132 allows lighting of the receiving area of the storage receptacle 132when the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132 is opened, and therebyfacilitate a user's ability to see the contents of the storagereceptacle 132 when they are accessing the storage receptacle 132. Insome embodiments, the light 142 may be used in connection with otherfeatures to allow easy identification of an accessible storagereceptacle 132. Thus, in some embodiments, the light 142 is visible to auser when the storage receptacle is accessible.

In some embodiments the light 142 is disposed on an outer surface of thedoor 136, such that the light 142 is visible to a user standing in frontof the storage unit 100. In some embodiments, the light is a receptacledesignating feature. The light 142 may indicate which of the storagereceptacles 132 is available or is activated for use.

In some embodiments the storage receptacle 132 further includes afeature configured to detect the position of the door 136, such as, forexample, whether the door 136 is open or closed. In some embodiments,the door position detection feature comprises, for example, a sensor, aswitch, or any other feature capable of detecting if the door 136 isopen. In some embodiments, the door position detection feature isintegrated into another feature of the storage receptacle, such as, forexample, the securement feature 140, or a switch associated with thelight 142.

The storage receptacle 132 further includes features configured todetect the presence or absence of an item within the receiving area ofthe storage receptacle 132. In some embodiments, the item detectionfeature configured to detect the presence or absence of an item withinthe receiving area of the storage receptacle 132 comprises, for example,a sensor 145. The sensor 145 may be a camera, or any other featurepossessing the desired capabilities. The sensor 145 may be located onone of the walls 134 or on the door 136. In one embodiment, for example,the sensor comprises for example, a load cell or a strain gaugeconfigured to sense when a load is applied to the storage receptacle132.

In some embodiments, the storage receptacle 132 may be configured tomaintain climatic conditions within the storage receptacle 132.Specifically, in some embodiments, the storage receptacle may beconfigured to allow maintenance of a temperature and relative humiditylevel that are different than the levels of the area in which thestorage unit 100 containing the storage receptacle 132 is placed. Insome such embodiments, the storage receptacle 132 may be climatecontrolled by connection to an HVAC system and/or air humidifier and/ordehumidifier to facilitate the maintenance of desired climate conditionswithin the storage receptacle 132. Additionally, in some embodiments,the storage receptacle 132 is sealed and/or insulted to facilitate themaintenance of desired climatic conditions within the storage receptacle132.

In some embodiments, the storage unit 100 is configured for receiptand/or collection of an item or items deposited by a customer fordelivery. In some embodiments, these features may include, for example,a storage receptacle 132 comprising a mail slot 141, disposed in thedoor 136, to allow collection of envelopes, postcards, flats, or anyother thin item. In some embodiments, these features may comprise astorage receptacle associated with a collection bin 143. The collectionbin 143 may be located inside the storage receptacle such that itemsplaced in the storage receptacle 132 are deposited in the collectionbin.

In some embodiments, a storage receptacle module is modularly installedinto a storage unit 100. In some embodiments, a storage receptaclemodule comprises one or several connected storage receptacles 132.Advantageously, a storage receptacle module may facilitate adaptation ofa storage unit 100 to meet a range of customer needs. In someembodiments, for example, a first storage receptacle module may beremoved from the storage unit 100 and replaced by a second storagereceptacle module having storage receptacles 132 with different storagearea dimensions. The dimensions of the storage receptacles 132 of thesecond storage receptacle module may be selected based on customerdemand for specific sizes of storage receptacles 132 in a particularstorage unit 100 depending on use patterns, specific customer requests,and the location of the storage unit 100.

To facilitate interchangeability, the varying storage receptacle modulesmay have identical mounting hardware and electrical connections suchthat each storage receptacle module provides electrical connection tothe control unit 144.

Referring again to FIG. 1, some embodiments of a storage unit 100further include a control unit 144. As more clearly depicted in FIG. 1B,the control unit 144 may include, for example, a control cabinet 146with a front side 158 including, for instance, a plurality of storagereceptacles 132, front doors 136 to the receptacles 132, an interface150, and a rotating frame 115. Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, the controlunit 144 may also comprise a screen 148, a printer 152, a paymentfeature 154, a security camera 155, and a service door 156 which may beon the front 158 and/or back 160 of the control cabinet 146.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, in some embodiments, the control cabinet146 of the control unit 144 is connected to the plurality of storagereceptacles 132 of the storage unit 100. The control cabinet 146 has afront 158, back 160, top 162, bottom 164, first side (not shown), andsecond side 165. In some embodiments, the control cabinet 146 isintegrally formed with portions of some of the plurality of storagereceptacles 132 of the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the firstside and the second side 165 of the control cabinet 146 is adjacent toand/or affixed to a plurality of the storage receptacles 132. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1B, in some embodiments a number of storagereceptacles 132 may be included with the control unit 144. The storagereceptacles 132 may be in the same control cabinet 146 as the controlunit 144. The receptacles 132 may also be in a control cabinet 146separate from the control cabinet 146 of the control unit 144.

As further shown in FIG. 1B, in some embodiments the front 158 of thecontrol unit 144 may include an interface 150, such as a scanner,reader, number pad, touch screen or other device, connection or featurefor inputting information to the control unit 144. In some embodiments,the interface 150 may be an omni-directional reader. The interface 150may be located on the front 158 of the control unit 144 as shown. Theinterface 150 may also be in other positions, such as the sides, top, orback 160 of the control unit 144. As shown, the interface 150 ismechanically and rigidly attached to the control unit 144. Thisattachment may be with screws, brackets, or any other mechanicalmaterials suitable for attaching the interface 150. In some embodiments,the interface 150 may be flexibly attached to the control unit 144. Forinstance, the interface 150 may be attached by a flexible cord such thatthe interface 150 may be moved away from the control unit 144 when usingit.

The interface 150 may comprise features configured to read a visualidentifier including, for example, a text string, a computer readablecode such as, for example, a barcode, a 1-D barcode, a 2-D barcode, aQR-code, an RFID tag, CODE39, CODE128, EAN128, I2OF5, 4STATE, POSTNET,or any other desired computer readable code, a biometric identificationfeature, a color pattern, an image, or any other visual identifier. Ascanner may comprise a interface such as, for example, a barcodeinterface, a pen-type interface, a laser scanner, a CCD interface, acamera based interface, an omni-directional barcode scanner, or anyother interface type. The interface 150 is configured to receive controlsignals and to transmit signals corresponding to information from thescanned item. In some embodiments, the interface 150 may comprise a nearfield communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)module. In this embodiment, the RFID module is Near Field Communication(NFC)-based and facilitates using a mobile device to provide informationto the storage unit 100. A mobile device may also be used in someembodiments to provide the visual identifier, such as a QR code, to thescanner by positioning the mobile device a suitable distance from thescanner to allow it to read the visual identifier. In some embodiments,the scanner may be in other locations on the control unit 146. Forexample, the scanner may be on the back 160, on either side, or on thetop 162 of the control unit.

The control cabinet 146 may comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, andmay be made of a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the controlcabinet 146 includes features and is made of materials to protect thecontents of the control cabinet 146 from man-made and natural risks. Insome embodiments the control cabinet 146 is configured to allowselective access to the contents of the control cabinet 146. In someembodiments, such configuration may advantageously allow themaintenance, repair, and general upkeep of the contents of the controlcabinet 146. In some embodiments, access to the control cabinet 146 isprovided through, for example, a service door 156 as shown in FIG. 1C.

In some embodiments, the control cabinet 146 includes, for example, aservice door 156. The service door 156 is located, for example, on anexposed face of the control cabinet 146. In one embodiment, the servicedoor 156 is located, for example, on the front 158 of the controlcabinet 146. In addition, or instead, the service door 156 may belocated on the back 160 of the control cabinet 146 and may comprise aplurality of doors or door segments, as is discussed in further detailherein.

The service door 156 is configured for movement between a first openposition and a second closed position. In some embodiments, the servicedoor 156 is connected with the control cabinet 146 so as to allowmovement to and between the first open position and the second closedposition. In some embodiments, the dynamic connection of the servicedoor 156 to the control cabinet 146 is achieved, for example, throughthe use of hinges, clasps, lips, protrusion, engaging members, or avariety of other features. In some embodiments, these features maycooperate with corresponding features on the control cabinet 146 tosecure the service door 156.

In some embodiments, the service door 156 further includes one or morelocking mechanisms. The locking mechanism is configured to secure theservice door 156 when the service door is in its second, closedposition. The locking mechanism may comprise a variety of mechanisms,including, for example, a mechanical lock, an electric lock, a magneticlock, or any other type of locking mechanism. In some embodiments, thelock is controlled via the control unit 144, with a key, or in any otherdesired fashion.

In some embodiments, the front 158—or, as is discussed in further detailherein, the back 160—of the control cabinet 146 is openable to revealthe internal components of the control cabinet 146. The front 158 of thecontrol cabinet 146 may be attached to the control cabinet 146 via ahinge or a plurality of hinges. Thus, as the front 158 of the controlcabinet 146 opens on the hinge or plurality of hinges, each of thecomponents disposed on the front 158 of the control cabinet 146 moveswith the front 158 of the control cabinet 146. In some embodiments, alock or plurality of locks (not shown) is located on the front 158 ofthe control cabinet 146 configured to lock and secure the front 158 andprevent unauthorized access into the internal area of the controlcabinet 146.

The control unit 144, as depicted in FIG. 1C, may include a screen 148.The screen 148 is configured to display information to a user. Thescreen 148 may comprise a CRT screen, a plasma screen, a LCD screen, orany other desired screen type. In some embodiments the screen 148 ispaired with other output features configured to transmit information toa user, such as, for example, a speaker, a display, or any otherinformation transmitting feature. In some embodiments the screen 148 hasa touch-screen functionality. In some embodiments, the screen 148 isconfigured to receive an electronic signature from a user using asignature capture process. In some embodiments, the screen 148 is pairedwith an input feature configured to allow a user to input informationand/or commands to the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the inputfeature may comprise, for example, a touch-screen, a keypad, amicrophone, or any other user input device.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1D, the control unit 144 maycomprise additional features which increase user accessibility to usingthe control cabinet 146. For example, the control cabinet 146 maycomprise an easy access keypad 190, a headset jack for TDD/TTYcommunication 192, braille labels 194, a near field communication module195, a printer 152 for printing receipts and/or postage, and an audiosystem comprising external speakers (not shown). The keypad 190 may beused for entering user access information 151 to retrieve an item from astorage receptacle 132. In some embodiments, a receipt is generated forevery transaction, which may be emailed or otherwise sent to thecustomer or user. In some embodiments, a customer or user can elect toreceive a receipt, for example following a drop-off or deposittransaction, which may be printed by the printer 152 or have itdigitally sent to them. The control unit 144 may further include aninterface 150, as discussed in further detail herein, for example withrespect to FIG. 1B.

Referring again to FIG. 1D, the front 158 of the control unit 144 mayfurther comprise a printer 152. The printer is configured to print anydesired items, including, for example, user access informations, textstrings, images, computer readable codes, or any other desired item. Insome embodiments, the printer 152 is configured to print labels, suchas, for example, address labels, postage, description labels,computer-readable code labels, or any other desired label. The printer152 is configured for printing in response to received control signals.In some embodiments printer 152 may be configured to print receipts. Invarious steps of the processes described herein, for example, uponpayment of postage or insurance on a package, a printed receipt may begenerated and provided to the user. A receipt may also be generated withconfirmation of pick-up or delivery of an item.

The control unit 144 may further comprise a payment feature 154. Thepayment feature 154 is configured to receive payment from a user. Thepayment feature may comprise features configured to receive cash from auser, to conduct an electronic transaction with a user, including, forexample, credit card, bank card, or any other form of electronicpayment, or to conduct any other desired transaction with the user. Thepayment feature 154 may be configured to receive control signals and totransmit signals relating to the transaction. In some embodiments, thepayment feature 154 may comprise a credit card interface such as, forexample, the Dynamag Magnetic Stripe Credit Card Interface by Magtek. Insome embodiments, the payment feature 154 comprises a near fieldcommunication (NFC) module, which facilitates payments using amobile/digital wallet, a tablet computer, a smart phone, or othersimilar devices with NFC capability.

The control unit 144 may further comprise a camera 155. The camera 155may be configured to provide photographic and/or video documentation ofthe users of the control panel. In some embodiments, the camera 155 isconfigured to capture and save all recorded images. In one embodiment,the camera 155, and associated picture memory, is configured to captureand record one or several images taken when a user enters, for example,their user identification or user password. In some embodiments, thecamera 155 is configured to capture and record one or several imageswhen a user confirms deposit of an item to the storage receptacle 132,or removal of an item from the storage receptacle 132. In someembodiments, the camera 155 may comprise a plurality of cameras locatedon different positions on the storage unit 100. These cameras arepositioned and directed to provide complete camera coverage of thestorage unit or desired parts thereof. Similar to camera 155, the imagesrecorded by these cameras are constantly stored, or specific images arestored from these cameras. In some embodiments, a camera may beinstalled on the roof 124. The roof camera may be positioned such thatthe roof camera's field of vision encompasses the front of the storageunit 100, including the control cabinet 146 and the storage receptacles132. This positioning of the roof camera allows for photographic andvideo monitoring of the storage receptacles themselves, includingrecording user's access to the storage receptacles. This may provideevidence that a pick-up or drop off occurred, or evidence of theidentity of a user who picks up or drops off an item.

In some embodiments, the features of the storage unit 100 may beconfigured so as to allow identification of a user based on a driver'slicense or other government issued form of identification. Beneficially,this capability may allow the storage unit 100 to determine the identityof the user and the age of the user. In some embodiments, the picture ofthe owner of the government issued identification that is found on theidentification may be compared with the image of the user taken atlog-in. Facial recognition techniques may be used to determine if theuser is the same person identified by the government issuedidentification. In some embodiments, the use of government issuedidentification to identify the user may allow non-registered users touse the storage unit to send and/or receive items. In some embodiments,the use of government issued identification to identify the user mayallow non-registered users to register at the unit. In some embodiments,use of government issued identification to identify the user may be usedto enable delivery of restricted delivery items which require that theperson identified on the item is the only recipient of the item, andage-restricted items such as, for example, alcohol, tobacco, ammunition,weapons, medication, or any other age restricted items.

In some embodiments the control unit 144 comprises a rotatable frame115. Referring to FIG. 1E, the frame 115 is shown in a partially rotatedconfiguration. The frame 115 may rotate one hundred and eighty degreesor a full three hundred and sixty degrees, or any amount in between. Theframe 115 may further be configured to rotate indefinitely such thatmore than three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation are possible. Insome embodiments, the frame 115 may rotate about a vertical axis. Insome embodiments, the frame may rotate about a horizontal or other axiswith a different orientation.

In some embodiments, the control unit 144 may be attached to the framesuch that the unit 144 will rotate with the frame 115. The unit 144 maybe rigidly attached so that rotation of the frame 115 also rotates theunit 144 by a similar amount. Or, the unit 144 may be flexibly attachedto the frame 115, such that rotation of the frame 115 rotates the unit144 by more or less than the same amount as the frame 115. When theframe 115 rotates, it may also rotate any other structures or featurescoupled to the frame 115, such as the storage receptacles 132, theinterface 150, and/or any other features discussed herein that may beassociated with the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the frame 115rotates within the storage cabinet 146. The cabinet 146 may bestationary while the frame 115 rotates relative to the cabinet 146. Insome embodiments, the cabinet 146 may rotate with the frame 115, suchthat rotation of the frame 115 also rotates the cabinet 146.

FIG. 1F depicts an embodiment of the control unit 144 after it has beenrotated one hundred and eighty degrees. As shown, after such rotation,the back 160 may now be positioned where the front 158 was positionedbefore the rotation.

In some embodiments, the back 160 of the control unit 144 may have aservice door 156. This may be in addition to, or instead of, the servicedoor 156 on the front 158 of the control unit 144. The service door 156may provide access to the storage receptacles 132, as discussed infurther detail herein. The service door 156 may include a lock. Further,the service door 156 may comprise a number of doors or door segments.For instance, the service door 156 shown in FIG. 1F comprises two doors,one on each of the left and right side of the back 160 in theorientation shown. The two doors of service door 156 may be hinged alongthe sides of the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the service door156 opens up to reveal the inside of the control unit 144, as depictedin FIG. 1G. In some embodiments, the service doors may act as a securityfeature which precludes access from one storage receptacle to another bya customer.

Referring now to FIG. 1G, an embodiment of the control unit 144 withservice door 156 open is shown. In some embodiments, the frame 115 maybe rotated one hundred and eighty degrees and the service door 156 onthe back 160 of the control unit may be opened to reveal the inside ofthe control unit 144. In some embodiments, opening the door 156 mayreveal the rear of the storage receptacles 132. This may be used, forexample, by a delivery agent to place parcels or other items in thereceptacles 132. As shown, a number of receptacles 132 may be accessiblein this manner. Further, access to the back 160 may provide access to acomputer 135, a screen 148, an input device 147, a printer 152 and anyother number of items that may be included in the control unit 144.

In some embodiments, the rear 160 may comprise a computer 135. Thecomputer 135 may be configured to receive identifying information 157corresponding to a recipient of the parcel. For example, the computermay receive information 157 identifying a storage receptacle 132 to beused by the recipient of a parcel. The information may further identifythe recipient's name, cell phone number, home phone number, address, orother identifying information, such as the recipient's Post Office boxnumber.

In some embodiments, the computer 135 may be configured to generate useraccess information 151. The user access information 151 provides accessto one or more storage receptacles 132. The computer 135 may generate orotherwise produce the user access information 151 and store it inmemory, deliver it to the recipient, and/or produce a receipt or ticketfor the recipient of the parcel.

The computer 135 may be further configured to associate the identifyinginformation 157 and user access information 151 with the at least one ofthe storage receptacles 132. For instance, the computer 135 mayassociate a selected receptacle 132 with the recipient's Post Office boxand the user access information 151 such that when the computer 135receives the user access information 151 the computer 135 associates itwith the receptacle 132 containing the parcel. If the user accessinformation 151 is printed on a receipt with a bar code, the receipt maybe placed in the recipient's Post Office box. Then, the recipient mayretrieve the receipt from the box and present it to the interface 150.The computer 135 may then receive the user access information 151 fromthe scanner and open or send a command to open the corresponding storagereceptacle 132 containing the recipient's parcel. This is merely anillustrative example of how the computer 135 may associate certainembodiments of identifying information 157 and user access information151 with the storage receptacle 132. Other configurations and variationsof the system are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the computer 135 is a laptop computer. It may alsobe any number of similar electronic devices, such as a desktop computer,a tablet, a mobile device, etc. The computer 135 may be integral withthe control unit 144 or it may be added to it. For instance, a separatecomputer 135 may be placed in the control unit 144 such that it rests ona shelf accessible from the back 160 of the control unit 144.

The computer 135 may further be configured to electronically unlock theat least one of the storage receptacles 132 upon receiving the useraccess information 151. In some embodiments, the computer 135 isphysically wired to locks that unlock the receptacles 132. In someembodiments, the computer is wirelessly connected to the locks. Thecomputer 135 may itself directly command the locks to unlock or it maycommand an intermediate device in order to unlock the locks. Forexample, the computer 135 may send a command to a transmitter thatcommunicates with the locks.

The control unit 144 may further comprise a screen 148. As discussedabove, the screen 148 is configured to display information to a user.The screen 148 may comprise a CRT screen, a plasma screen, a LCD screen,or any other desired screen type. In some embodiments the screen 148 ispaired with other output features configured to transmit information toa user, such as, for example, a speaker, a display, or any otherinformation transmitting feature. In some embodiments the screen 148 hasa touch-screen functionality. In some embodiments, the screen 148 isconfigured to receive an electronic signature from a user using asignature capture process. In some embodiments, the screen 148 is pairedwith an input feature configured to allow a user to input informationand/or commands to the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the inputfeature may comprise, for example, a touch-screen, a keypad, amicrophone, or any other user input device. Further embodiments of thescreen are discussed below, for example, with reference to FIGS. 3A and3B.

Referring to FIG. 1G, the control unit 144 may further comprise an inputdevice 147. The input device 147 may provide a means for inputtinginformation into the computer 135. The device 147 may be separate fromthe computer 135 or it may be integral with the computer 135. In someembodiments, the device 147 is a touch screen on the computer 135. Insome embodiments, the device 147 is a scanner or other reader, forexample a bar code scanner that can read a bar code, QR code, or otherreadable/scannable identifier that is on or otherwise associated withthe item. In some embodiments, the input device 147 is a separate numberpad. An input device 147 that is separate from the computer 135 may belocated under the computer 135, as shown. It may also be located in anylocation of the control unit, including inside another storagereceptacle, attached to a wall of the storage unit 144 or frame 115, orcoupled with the service doors 156. In some embodiments, the inputdevice 147 is entirely separate from the control unit 144. For example,the input device 147 may be a keyboard on a computer in an office, wherethe information typed in on the keyboard is communicated via a networkto the computer in the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the inputdevice 147 may communicate with the computer 135 through wiredconnection or it may communicate wirelessly, for instance, by RF orBluetooth. The input device 147 may be used to input alphanumeric orother characters or symbols in order to input identifying or otherinformation into the computer 135. An embodiment of the input device 147is further discussed below, for example, with reference to FIG. 2.

Referring again to FIG. 1G, the control unit 144 is some embodimentscomprises a printer 152. This printer 152 may be in addition to orinstead of the printer 152 configured on the front 158 of the controlunit 144, or this printer 152 may be the same printer 152 configured onthe front 158 of the control unit 144. The printer 152 shown in FIG. 1Gis accessible from the back 160. This printer 152 in some embodiments isconfigured to print user access information 151. In some embodiments,the printed user access information 151 is on a paper document, such asa receipt. This paper receipt may then be removed from the printer 151and provided to the recipient of the item, for example it may be placedin the recipient's Post Office box. In some embodiments, the user accessinformation 151 is a bar code on the receipt, as is discussed in furtherdetail herein, for example, with respect to FIG. 4. In some embodiments,the computer 135 generates the user access information 151 and then theprinter 152 prints the user access information 151. The printer 152 mayprint other information either on the same document as the user accessinformation 151 or on a separate document. The printer 152 is capable ofprinting any relevant information as is readily appreciated by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, and such printers are contemplated asbeing within the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, as is discussed in further detail herein, the control unit 144may, instead of or in addition to the printer, provide the user accessinformation 151 to the recipient. In some embodiments, the control unit144 provides the user access information 151 directly to a recipient,for example by sending it through a network to the recipient's emailaddress or mobile device. In some embodiments, the printer 152 printsthe user access information 151 to be provided to the recipient, and inaddition the control unit 144 also provides the user access information151 to the recipient, for example over a network as discussed. Manyother variations of printing and/or sending the user access information151 to a recipient that are not explicitly addressed here are within thescope of the present disclosure, some of which are further discussed indetail herein.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of an input device 147. As shown, thedevice 147 may be a number pad containing numbers and various other keysfor controlling, entering, or otherwise communicating with the computer135. The keys of the device 147 may include more or less than thosetypically on a conventional keyboard and they may be sized such that atypical finger may press one key at a time. Further, the layout of thekeys may be similar to or different from conventional keyboards ornumber pads. Other configurations of the number pad and keys arepossible and are within the scope of the present disclosure. Asdiscussed, the input device 147 may be located within the control unit144 or it may be separate from the control unit 144, for example in adelivery agent's vehicle or office. In such case, a storage receptacle132 may be reserved without having to physically be at the control unit144. Then, the parcel may later be delivered to the receptacle 132knowing that the receptacle 132 will be available. Other configurationsand corresponding uses of the various devices of the system arecontemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict embodiments of the screen 148 that may be displayedin the context of the United States Postal Service. A person of skill inthe art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited toembodiments with the United States Postal Service. The screen 148 may beat the back 160 of the control unit 144, for example coupled to acomputer 135, or it may be separate from the control unit 144, forexample on a computer 135 in an office or home. The screen 148 mayprovide information about available storage receptacles 132 and allowfor selection of one or more receptacles 132. The screen may bedisplayed in color-coded fashion or any other manner to convey thestatus of the availability of the receptacles 132. The screen maydisplay information relating to the availability of receptacles 132 thatare associated with one or more control units 144. For instance, thescreen 148 may display information related to a control unit in whichthe screen 148 is located or to a different, separate control unit. Suchinformation may include, for example, which receptacles 132 areavailable, the identity of the last action completed, an input box forselecting or identifying a receptacle 132, the time and date, an inputbox for identification of a recipient's delivery information such asPost Office box, and/or any other information. It may also displaypossible actions or options for using the control unit 144, such asshown in FIG. 3C, including but not limited to removal of a package,entering a new user, or deleting a user.

Turning to FIG. 4, an embodiment of notice information 153 is depicted.As shown, the notice information 153 contains user access information151 as a bar code printed on a receipt 149. As discussed, this receipt149 may be printed by the printer 152 configured with the control unit144. The receipt 149 may also be printed by any printer, for example bya user of the system who prints the receipt on a printer at home or theoffice. In some embodiments, the user access information 151 is providedas access information on a mobile device, such as a cell phone ortablet, for example by email or on a website. In such cases, the mobiledevice may be presented to the control unit 144, for example by havingan interface 150 scan the access information. Access information,discussed in further detail herein for example with respect to FIGS.12A-13B, may be information provided to the interface 150 to gain accessto the receptacle 132. Therefore, access information may thus be thesame as the user access information 151. In some embodiments, the useraccess information 151 is therefore information entered into orotherwise provided to the interface 150. For example, the user accessinformation 151 may be a PIN that a user enters into a number pad ortouch screen. The user access information 151 may also be a series ofnumbers and/or letters entered into the interface 150 as accessinformation. The user access information 151 may therefore not beprinted on the notice information 153 that is given to a recipient. Insome embodiments, a recipient is already aware of the user accessinformation 151, such as a PIN. Therefore, in some embodiments, noticeinformation 153 contains information about the item and/or storagesystem but does not include the access information.

The receipt shown in FIG. 4 comprises user access information 151configured as a bar code. In some embodiments, the bar code is aconventional bar code similar to those on items at a grocery store. Inother embodiments, the bar code may be a different type of bar code. Insome embodiments, the bar code is a QR code. The QR code may comprise asquare pattern recognizable by the interface 150. In some embodiments,the bar code is a different, unconventional code that is recognizable bythe scanner 151.

In some embodiments, the receipt 149 includes information 157identifying the storage receptacle and/or the recipient. As shown inFIG. 4, the information 157 includes a Post Office (“P.O.”) box numbercorresponding to the recipient of the item. P.O. boxes are used here asexemplary embodiments only, and the scope of this disclosure is notlimited thereto. The information 157 shown also includes the storagereceptacle 132 in which the item is intended to be stored and retrieved.As depicted, the information 157 recites the recipient's deliveryinformation as “P.O. Box 123” and the corresponding storage receptacle132 as “Locker L1.” Other configurations of the receipt 149 with useraccess information 151 and information 157 are possible. In someembodiments, the user access information 151 is at the bottom of thereceipt 149 and the information 157 is at the top. Any otherconfigurations are possible, for example with the locations reversed orwith the user access information 151 on the opposite side of the receipt149 as the information 157, and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Further, an user access information 151 that is sentelectronically to a recipient, for instance by email or by text message,may also be configured in a similar manner as that shown in FIG. 4 or inany other configuration.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of conventional Post Office boxes 163. Theboxes 163 may receive the user access information 151, for example onthe receipt 149. A user, such as the recipient, may then retrieve theuser access information 151 from their box 163 and use the code 151 toopen a storage receptacle 132 via the control unit 144. The boxes 163may be separate, as shown, from the control unit 144 or they may beintegral with the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the boxes 163are contained in the control cabinet 146 and/or with the frame 115. Insome embodiments, the boxes 163 are conventional P.O. boxes located at aPost Office or other location containing P.O. boxes. Otherconfigurations not explicitly addressed here are possible and are withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

The various features of the storage receptacles 132 and the control unit144 may communicatingly interact. FIG. 6 depicts a schematicillustration showing one exemplary embodiment of the communicatinginteractions within the storage unit 100.

The storage unit 100 shown in FIG. 6 includes a receptacle unit 102 anda control unit 144. The receptacle unit 102 may comprise a plurality ofstorage receptacles 132. The receptacle unit 102 depicted in FIG. 6comprises two storage receptacles 132. The storage receptacles 132 eachcomprise a plurality of features that may include, for example,securement feature 140, light 142, receptacle designating feature 166,and/or any other desired features, such as, for example, an interiorlight, a door position detection feature, and/or an item detectionfeature.

The control unit 144 may comprise a variety of features performing avariety of functions. In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 6,the control unit 144 comprises, for example, a processor 168, memory170, a communication feature 172, a screen 148, an interface 150, aprinter 152, and a payment feature 154. The control unit 144 may furtherinclude a central bus 117 linking the several features together.

The processor 168 may comprise or be a component of a processing systemimplemented with one or more processors. The one or more processors maybe implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors,microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmablegate array (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers,state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicatedhardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that mayperform calculations or other manipulations of information. Theprocessor 168 may comprise, for example, a microprocessor, such as aPentium® processor, a Pentium® Pro processor, a 8051 processor, a MIPS®processor, a Power PC® processor, an Alpha® processor, or the like. Theprocessor 168 typically has conventional address lines, conventionaldata lines, and one or more conventional control lines.

The processor 168 is in communicating connection with memory 170. Thememory 170 may include, for example, RAM memory, flash memory, ROMmemory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removabledisk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.The memory may include, for example, software, at least one softwaremodule, instructions, steps of an algorithm, or any other information.In some embodiments, the processor 168 performs processes in accordancewith instruction stored in the memory 170. These processes may include,for example, controlling features and/or components of the receptacleunit 102, controlling features and/or components of the storagereceptacle 132, controlling features and/or components of the controlunit 144, requesting information from features and/or components of thestorage receptacle 132, requesting information from features and/orcomponents of the receptacle unit 102, requesting information fromfeatures and/or components of the control unit 144, transmittinginstruction and/or control signals to the features and/or components ofthe storage receptacle 132, transmitting instruction and/or controlsignals to the features and/or components of the receptacle unit 102,transmitting instructions and/or control signals to features and/orcomponents of the control unit, requesting information from the user,transmitting information to the user, processing information receivedfrom features and/or components of the storage receptacle 132 and/or ofthe receptacle unit 102 and/or of the control unit 144, processinginformation received from the user, and/or any other desired processes.

In some embodiments, memory 170 comprises one or more databases 171. Inone embodiment, the database may contain registered user identificationinformation, including, for example, the user identification and userpassword for registered users, storage receptacle information, includingwhether a storage receptacle 132 is available, and the location, itemidentification, and recipient identification of items stored in thestorage unit 100.

In some embodiments, the processor 168 is in communicating connectionwith a communication feature 172. The communication feature 172 isconfigured for wired, and/or wireless, communication. In someembodiments, the communication feature 172 communicates via telephone,cable, fiber-optic, or any other wired communication network. In someembodiments, the communication feature 172 may communicate via cellularnetworks, WLAN networks, or any other wireless network. Thecommunication feature 172 is configured to receive instructions and totransmit and receive information. This information may relate to, forexample, the identifying information 157, the user access information151, commands for locking and/or unlocking a storage receptacle 132,required maintenance of the storage unit 100, availability of storagereceptacles 132 in the storage unit 100, status of items in the storagereceptacles 132, such as, for example, whether an item is awaitingretrieval, transaction information, and/or any other desiredinformation. In some embodiments, the communication feature 172communicates via a wired or wireless communication network with one ormore network services (e.g., web services) on one or more networkservers (not shown). For example, some of the functionality describedwith respect to the control unit and other functionality as describedfurther below may be performed by a remote network service, remote fromthe control unit 144. The control unit 144 may communicate via thecommunication feature 172 with the remote network service to exchangedata and provide the interactivity necessary with a user of the storageunit 100 or a recipient of an item. In one embodiment, the networkservice may be cloud service that may include processors, memory, andthe like as described above. In one embodiment, the network service mayinclude NFC modules configured to communicate information from mobiledevices, such as smart phones, as described above. In some embodiments,the communication feature 172 may communicate the user accessinformation 151 to a recipient of an item. For instance, user accessinformation 151 may be transmitted to a recipient's email address ormobile device. In some embodiments, a user may provide the user accessinformation 151 as access information and the communication feature 172may receive and/or transmit the access information to provide access tothe storage receptacle 132 containing the item. For instance, a user mayscan the user access information 151 using the interface 150 and thecommunication feature 172 may then receive the code 151 and thentransmit the code 151 to the processor 168 which then transmits anunlock command to unlock the storage receptacle 132.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the processor 168 is in communicating connectionwith the screen 148. In some embodiments, the processor 168 isconfigured to transmit control signals to the screen 148 to control thetransmission of information to the user, and to receive signalscorresponding to user inputs from the screen 148.

The processor 168 is further in communicating connection with each ofthe interface 150, the printer 152, and the payment feature 154. Theprocessor 168 is configured to transmit control signals to the interface150 and to receive information relating to a scanned item from theinterface 150, to transmit control signals to the printer 152corresponding to, for example, to instructions to print a label, and totransmit control signals to the payment feature 154 and receiveinformation relating to the transaction from the payment feature 154.

In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 6, the processor 168communicates via a communication link with some or all of the storagereceptacles 132 for sending control signals to the storage receptacles132. In some embodiments, the communication with some or all of thestorage receptacles 132 may comprise sending control signals to controlthe features of each of the storage receptacles 132, including, forexample, the securement feature 140, and the light 142. In someembodiments, the processor 168 is configured to send control signals tothe securement feature 140 to secure and/or to unsecure the door 136 ofthe storage receptacle 132, and to receive signals from the securementfeature 140 relating to the securement status of the securement feature140, such as, whether the securement feature 140 is securing the storagereceptacle 132.

In some embodiments, the processor 168 is configured to send controlsignals to the light 142. In some embodiments, these control signalscorrespond to turning the light 142 on, or to shutting the light 142off. In some embodiments, the processor 168 is configured to sendcontrol signals to the sensor 145, or the climate control equipment.

In some embodiments, the processor 168 is configured to send controlsignals to the receptacle designating feature 166 or the light 142.These signals may correspond to activating the receptacle designatingfeature 166 or the light 142 when the associated storage receptacle 132is unsecured, and to de-activating the receptacle designating feature166 or the light 142 when the associated storage receptacle has beenre-secured.

In some embodiments, an address is provided for the storage unit 100.This address may be a text string, standard address comprising a streetand a number, or a modified address that may identify the storage unit100 without reference to a standard address. In some embodiments, thismodified address may comprise a unique number, the zip-code in which thestorage unit 100 is located and a unique number. In some embodiments,each of the storage receptacles 132 may comprise a unique address. Thisaddress may be the same as the address for the storage unit 100, plusadditional digits to allow unique identification of the storagereceptacle 132. In some further embodiments, and using similarprincipals, users, such as customers, registered for use of the storageunit may be assigned a storage unit address. This address may be tied toa preferred storage unit, such that the user's address is the address ofthe storage unit 100 plus additional text, or may be independent of anystorage unit. In some embodiments, this storage unit address may allowdeliveries addressed, not to the recipient, but to the recipient'sstorage unit address. Advantageously, such addressing may prevent theoriginator of the item from knowing the identity and physical address ofthe recipient.

In some embodiments, the address may be utilized by a user associatedwith a social media network. For example, the address may be assigned toa user of a social network site, such as Facebook, or Twitter, or adating service, and may facilitate physical delivery of items to thesocial media user, while maintaining anonymity of the social media user.In some embodiments, the address may facilitate the physical exchange ofitems between more than one user of a social media network. In someembodiments, the address may be assigned to a user who buys from vendorswho cater or sell to users of social media networks. This mechanismallows for vendors or businesses to interact and deliver items throughsocial media while maintaining the anonymity of the users who buy fromsuch vendors or businesses.

A person of skill in the art will recognize that the processor 168 isconfigured for communicating interaction with other features of thereceptacle unit 102 and/or of the control unit 144. Further the memory170 of the control unit 144 may comprise a variety of instructionsconfigured for different item delivery scenarios.

FIG. 7A depicts another schematic illustration showing an exemplaryembodiment of the communicating connections related to various featuresof a control unit 144 that may be within a storage unit 100. As shown,the computer 135 may connect to and interact with the interface 150, thestorage receptacle 132 and/or a network 169. In some embodiments, a userscans the user access information 151 using the interface 150. Theinterface 150 then transmits the scanned code 151 to the computer 135.The computer 135 then interacts with the storage receptacle 132. If thecode 151 corresponds to the storage receptacle 132, then the computer135 sends a command, either directly or indirectly, to open the storagereceptacle 132. If direct, the computer 135 sends the command directlyto the receptacle 132. In some embodiments, the computer 135 may sendthe command to an intermediate device, such as a microprocessor on thesecurement feature of the receptacle 132, which then commands thereceptacle 132 to open or close. As used herein, “open” may refer tophysically opening the receptacle 132, to unlocking the receptacle 132,or otherwise unsecuring the receptacle 132. Similarly, “closing” mayrefer to physically closing the receptacle 132, to locking thereceptacle 132, or otherwise securing the receptacle 132.

In some embodiments, the computer 135 may interact with a network 169.The interaction with the network 169 may be a wired or wirelessconnection. The network 169 provides interaction with other computingdevices and methods. For instance, the network 169 may be an externalnetwork 169 such as the internet, cloud or cloud computing network, orworld wide web, or it may be a virtual private network (VPN) interactingwith other storage units 100 or with one or more databases. The network169 may further be any of the other network embodiments describedherein. In some embodiments, the features of the control unit 144 shownmay be separate from the storage unit 100. For instance, the controlunit 144 may comprise the interface 150, the computer 135 and thestorage receptacle 132, while the network 169 is separate from thecontrol unit 144.

While the interactions shown in FIG. 7A are direct connections andinteractions, the connections and/or interactions may also be indirect,as mentioned. For instance, there may be intermediate devices thatinteract between the computer 135 and the interface 150, the storagereceptacle 132, and the network 169. Further, any component shown inFIG. 7A may also refer to a subcomponent of the component. For instance,the computer 135 may also be a processor within the computer 135.Similarly, the interface 150 may refer to an interface or to a processorwithin the interface 150.

FIG. 7B depicts another schematic illustration showing an exemplaryembodiment of the communicating interactions related to various featuresof a control unit 144 that may be within a storage unit 100. As shown,the control unit 144 may comprise the processor 168, the interface 150,such as a scanner, and the screen 148, while the remaining componentsshown may be separate from the control unit 144. In some embodiments,more or fewer components may be part of the control unit 144. Forinstance, the control unit 144 may comprise just the processor 168 andthe interface 150, while the remaining components are separate from thecontrol unit 144. In an implementation, a user may provide the useraccess information 151 to the interface 150, such as a scanner, and theprocessor 168 may then communicate with a separate network 169 or adevice thereon that controls the storage receptacles 132. Othervariations and configurations of the control unit 144 are possible andare within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the features of the control unit 144 shown may beseparate from the storage unit 100. As shown, a processor 168 mayinteract with the network 169, the interface 150, the screen 148, astorage database 174, a user database 173 and/or a priority functionmodule 175. The interaction may be via wired or wireless connection. Theprocessor 168 may be a subcomponent of the computer 135. In someembodiments, the processor 168 is separate from the computer 135. Theinterface 150 may be in direct interaction with the processor 168 asshown. In some embodiments, as mentioned, the processor 168 andinterface 150 may have intermediate components. The screen 148 may be onthe front 158, back 160, or any other side of the control unit 144. Thescreen 148 may display the results of the interaction with the processor168. The screen 148 may also provide an input for communication to theprocessor 168, such as a touch screen.

The processor 168 may also communicatingly interact with variouscomputing resources, such as databases and executable routines. Asfurther shown in FIG. 7B, the processor 168 may interact with a storagedatabase 174, a user database 173 and a priority function module 175. Insome embodiments, the databases 174, 173 hold data that is accessed bythe processor 168. The storage database 174 may hold data related tostorage receptacles 132, such a database of which receptacles 132 arecurrently available, which receptacles 132 will be needed and when forincoming items, and/or which receptacles 132 will be available and when.These are just some examples of what the storage database 174 maycomprise, and many other types of data related to storing items in areceptacle 132 or in a storage unit 100 are within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

In some embodiments, the control unit 144 includes a user database 173that can interact with the processor 168. The user database 173 maycontain data related to users of the control unit 144. For example, thedatabase 173 may contain data related to registered users. In someembodiments, the database 173 contains data related to historical useractivity such as frequency of use or efficiency of use.

For instance, user activity may include data related to the frequency ofuse of the control unit 144 by a particular user. A user's frequency ofuse of the unit 144 may be recorded and stored in the database 173. Thismay be how often a user uses the unit 144 or any other informationrelated to the frequency of use.

User activity may further include the efficiency of use of the unit 144by a user. For instance, records in the database 173 may include howresponsive a user is to being alerted that an item is available forpickup. Efficiency here may refer to how quickly a recipient or userpicks up an item after being alerted that an item is ready for pickup.It may also include data on whether a user ever actually retrieves theitem.

For efficiency and frequency of use, and for any other data related touser activity, the user may also be the recipient, but the user need notbe the recipient. For instance, a recipient may be notified, but adifferent person may actually pick up the item and thus be the user.Thus, the efficiency of the recipient may be stored, but the recipientmay not be the actual person responsible for the efficiency data storedin the database 173. This applies equally to the frequency of use or toany other data stored that is related to “user” activity. Further, theuser database may contain other data besides user frequency andefficiency. Similar data related to user activity are within the scopeof the present disclosure, even though they may not be explicitlyaddressed herein.

As further shown in FIG. 7B, the processor 168 may interact with apriority function module 175. The module 175 may be an executableprogram to determine priority of use of the storage receptacle 132. Forinstance, the module 175 may retrieve and/or analyze data in the userdatabase 173 and/or the storage database 174 to determine the priorityof a particular item for a particular recipient. In some embodiments, ifthe intended recipient has favorable ratings with regard to frequencyand efficiency, and/or if a storage receptacle 132 is available, then ahigh priority may be given to that item and/or recipient. This may meanthat the next available storage receptacle 132 will be chosen for theitem. Or it may mean that the item is placed lower on the list forpriority. In some embodiments, if the intended recipient has unfavorableratings with regard to frequency and efficiency, and/or if a storagereceptacle 132 is not available, then a low priority may be given tothat item and/or recipient. Many variations and configurations for thepriority module are possible and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the various components are all interacting with theprocessor 168. However, in some embodiments, the various components mayalso interact with each other in addition to or instead of theprocessor. For instance, the priority function module 175 may inaddition to the processor also interact with the user database 173and/or the storage database 174 and/or the network 169. Many othervariations and configurations for the control unit 144 are possible andare within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C depicts an embodiment of various components that maycommunicatingly interact and that are accessible from the back 160 ofthe control unit 144. As mentioned this control unit 144 may be a partof, or separate from, the storage unit 100. As shown, the computer 135may interact with a screen 148, and input device 147 and/or a printer152. The screen may be a part of, or separate from, the computer 135. Insome embodiments, the screen 148 is a 10″ USB-powered display. In someembodiments, the screen 148 is a 7″ USB-powered display. Other sizescreens 148 may be used. The input device 147 may be used to input datainto the computer 135. In some embodiments, the device 147 is a numberpad, as discussed in further detail herein. The printer 152 may be usedto print a receipt 149 containing user access information 151. Thevarious components may interact via a wired and/or a wirelessconnection. The various components may also be within the control unit144 or they may be external to the unit 144. For instance, the inputdevice 147 may be on a mobile device of a delivery agent, or the printermay be in the office of the delivery agent. Many configurations andvariations of the communicating interaction between the variouscomponents are possible and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Further, any component shown also includes any subcomponent.For instance, the computer 135 may also refer to a processor within thecomputer 135.

FIGS. 8-8F illustrate different methods of operating a storage unit 100.FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a process 300 of controlling a storageunit 100. The process 300 begins by displaying a prompt to a user asdepicted at block 301. This prompt or message may be a request for inputsuch as, for example, the user access information 151, useridentification, item identification, task identification, item delivery,item retrieval, payment, an instruction, storage receptacle selection,or any other input, or may be an information display.

The process 300 continues to block 302 and receives a user input. Insome embodiments, this input is in response to the prompt displayed inblock 300. This input may correspond to, for example, the user accessinformation 151, user identification, item identification, taskidentification, payment, item delivery, item retrieval, storagereceptacle selection, or any other input.

The process 300 continues to block 304 and executes stored instructionscorresponding to the user input. These instructions may correspond to,for example, the functions of the storage unit 100, including, forexample, requesting information, transmitting information, disengaging alock, engaging a lock, receiving an input, scanning user accessinformation, access information, scanning an identifier, and receivingpayment.

After execution of stored instructions corresponding to the user inputat block 304, the process 300 moves to decision state 306 and determineswhether additional user input is required. If additional user input isrequired, the process moves to block 300. If no additional user input isrequired, the process terminates at block 308.

The general method of operation outlined in FIG. 3 is generally appliedin all of the other processes performed with the storage unit 100. Thus,this general method is applied in, for example, the process of FIG. 8Awhich depicts one embodiment of a process 300A of controlling thestorage unit 100 during item pickup and item delivery. The process 300Abegins at block 301A, when an item is deposited in a storage unit, whichtriggers a sending notice information 153 to a user or the intendedrecipient of the item. The notice information 153 may be sent as anemail, an SMS text message, a written notice, or by any othernotification method. After notice information 153 is sent, process 300Amoves to block 302A wherein control unit 144 receives identificationinformation from the user. The identification may comprise a broad rangeof information and may be received by the control unit 144 in a varietyof formats. In some embodiments, the identification comprises, forexample, the access information, the user access information 151, ausername and password, a unique account number, and unique informationstored in a computer readable medium. In some embodiments, theidentification information provides input to the control unit 144 by auser action, such as, typing, speaking, selecting, or scanning. In someembodiments, for example, a user can enter a username and password bytyping the username and password, by speaking his username and passwordinto a microphone, by spelling his username and password into amicrophone, by scanning a computer readable code, or by any otherdesired method. In some embodiments, for example, the user has a devicesuch as mobile phone and/or fob which may communicate, wired orwirelessly, with the control unit 144 to authenticate. In someembodiments, for example, this may employ a challenge-response scheme toauthenticate the user, and/or the device may also potentiallyauthenticate the system. Challenge-response schemes may be any suitablescheme, including but not limited to asking for one of multiplepasswords, using transient or temporary passwords that expire after aset time, presenting a question that must be validly answered orauthenticated, etc. In some embodiments, two or more of these or othermethods may be required for multi-factor authentication. In someembodiments, one method of authentication could be used in lieu ofanother; for example, the user may be able to enter their username andpassword should they not have their mobile device available.

After receiving identification information from the user, the process300A moves to decision state 303A and determines whether the informationidentifies a user. In some embodiments, this step can comprise acomparison of received identification information with stored useridentification information. If the identification information does notidentify a user, the process 300A terminates as depicted at block 304A.

If the identification information identifies a user, the process 300Amoves to block 306A and the storage unit 100 displays the availabilityand location of items scheduled for pickup by the user. In someembodiments, these items may be at the instant storage unit 100, and inother embodiments, these items may be located at a different storageunit 100.

After displaying the availability and location of an item scheduled forpickup by the user, in some embodiments, the process 300A moves todecision state 308A and determines whether the item is located at thepresent storage unit 100. If the item is not at the present storage unit100, then the process ends at block 310A.

If the item is at the present storage unit 100, the process 300A movesto block 312A and the user is prompted to pick-up the item. The process300A moves to decision state 314A and determines if the user has electedto pick-up the item. If the user has elected to pick-up the item, thenthe user is allowed to pick-up the item at block 316A, for example, byallowing the user to scan the user access information 151 with theinterface 150 and then unsecuring or unlocking the storage receptacle132.

After the user picks-up the item at block 316A, or if the storage unitdetermines at decision state 314A that the user has not elected topick-up the item, the process moves to block 318A, where the user isprompted to indicate whether they will deposit an item for delivery. Theprocess 300A moves to decision state 320A and determines if the userelected to deposit the item for delivery. If it is determined that theuser elected to deposit the item for delivery, the user is allowed todeposit the item at block 322A. After the user has deposited the item atblock 322A, or if the storage unit 100 determines that the user did notelect to deposit the item for delivery, the process ends at block 324A.Although the processes herein are described with regard to a singleitem, the processes could be carried out with multiple items, multiplesstorage receptacles 132, and/or multiple users.

The process of controlling the storage unit during item pick-up and/ordelivery may include further sub-processes. These sub-processes mayinclude, for example, processing further steps relating to the itempick-up and relating to the item delivery. FIG. 8B depicts oneembodiment of a process for item pick-up 300B. The process 300B beginsat block 302B when the storage unit 100 receives a user input indicatingintent to pick-up an item. In some embodiments, the input may be useraccess information 151. After receiving this input, the process 300Bmoves to decision state 304B to determine if there is an item availablefor pick-up by the user. This determination can, in some embodiments, beperformed locally at the storage unit 100, or in some embodiments, thisdetermination may comprise transmitting a request to the storage unitsystem control unit for whether the user has an item available forpick-up at the storage unit. If no item is available for pick-up, theprocess terminates at block 306B.

If an item is available for pick-up at the storage unit 100, the process300B indicates the storage receptacle 132 containing the item availablefor pick-up. This indication may be achieved in a variety of ways. Insome embodiments, for example, the screen 148 shows a depiction of thestorage unit 100, and visually indicates the storage receptacle 132 inwhich the item is being stored. In some embodiments, the visualindication of the location of the item may include, for example, aschematic illustration of the storage unit with a visual indication,such as highlighting, one or several storage receptacles containingitems for pick-up. In some other embodiments, the position of storagereceptacles 132 containing an item available for pick-up may beindicated through, for example, activation of a light, or any otherdesired method.

The process continues at step 310B, where the control unit 144 sends asignal to open the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132, and the door136 of the receptacle 132 opens or is made accessible to the user by thecontrol unit 144. In some embodiments, opening of the door comprises,for example, unlocking of the securement feature 140, or causing thedoor 136 of the receptacle 132 to move to an opened position. In someembodiments, the door 136 may pop open, either partially or completely,in order to provide easy awareness to a user which receptacle has beenopened.

After opening the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132 as depicted inblock 310B, the process moves to block 312B, and the storage unit 100requests confirmation by the user that he or she picked-up the item inthe designated storage receptacle 132.

The storage unit 100 receives confirmation that the user picked-up theitem in the designated storage receptacle 132 at block 314B. In someembodiments, for example, the user provides a signature if required forpick-up, and additionally confirms the pick-up via signature, or otherinput to the storage unit 100. In some embodiments, the user signs in asignature capture space located on a touch screen, and the signature iselectronically captured. In some embodiments, storage receptacle 132comprises a scale or other device to detect a change in the weightwithin the volume of the storage receptacle. If a user picks up an item,the scale senses the reduction in weight, and the reduction in weightmay be a pick-up confirmation provided to the storage unit 100. In someembodiments, sensor 145 may provide a sensing function to sense when anitem has been removed from the storage unit 132, and may provideconfirmation of item pickup to the storage unit 100.

Upon receiving confirmation that the user picked-up the item in thedesignated storage receptacle 132 as depicted in block 314B, the process300B advances to block 316B, where the door 136 of the storagereceptacle 132 is closed and/or secured. In some embodiments, the door136 of the storage receptacle 132 is configured to automatically close.In some embodiments, the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132 isconfigured to controllably close. In some embodiments, the door 136 ofthe storage receptacle 132 may not be configured to controllably orautomatically close.

In some embodiments, the securement feature 140 of the storagereceptacle 132 is configured for activation upon user confirmation ofpick-up, or upon the elapsing of a specified time, such as an automaticlog-off. In some embodiments, the securement feature 140 is activated asdepicted in block 314B to re-secure the door 136 of the storagereceptacle 132.

After the door 136 of the storage receptacle 132 has been closed and/orsecured as depicted in FIG. 8B, the process 300B advances to decisionstate 318B, where it determines if another item is available for pick-upby the user. If another item is available for pick-up by the user, theprocess returns to block 308B. If another item is not available forpick-up by the user, then the process 300B terminates at block 320B.

FIG. 8C provides further detail into the steps of some processes used inpicking-up an item from a storage unit 100. Specifically, FIG. 8Cdepicts one embodiment of a process 300C for requesting confirmation ofitem pick-up as depicted in Block 312B of FIG. 8B. Accordingly, thesteps of the present process 300C occur within block 312B of FIG. 8B.

As depicted in FIG. 8C, the process 300C for requesting confirmation ofitem pick-up begins at block 322C by prompting the user to pick-up theitem. This prompt may be, for example, in addition to an indication ofwhich storage receptacle 132 contains the item, and in addition toopening of the storage receptacle 132 containing the item.

After prompting the user to pick-up the item, the process 300C advancesto block 324C where the user is prompted to scan an identifier, such asuser access information, for the item. In some embodiments, this maycomprise, for example, scanning a computer readable code, receiving aradio frequency transmission, scanning a text string, or scanning anyother identifying feature of the item.

After prompting the user to scan the identifier as depicted in block324C, the process 300C advances to block 326C, where the storage unit100 receives data from the scanning of the identifier.

After receiving data from the scanning of the identifier as depicted inblock 326C, the storage unit 100 prompts the user to confirm the pick-upof the item at block 328C. The process 300C then advances to decisionstate 330C where it determines whether a user signature is required. Ifa signature is required, the storage unit 100 prompts the user toprovide a signature as depicted in block 332C. The storage unit thenreceives the signature as depicted in block 334C. After receiving thesignature as depicted in block 334C, or after determining that nosignature is required in decision state 330C, the process 300Cterminates at block 336C.

The steps of process 300C as depicted are illustrative, and need not beperformed in the order described. For example, steps 324C and 325C maybe performed prior to step 322C.

FIG. 8D depicts one embodiment of a process 300D for deposit of an item.The process 300D begins at block 302D when the storage unit 100 receivesa user input indicating a user's intent to deposit an item at thestorage unit 100.

The process 300D then moves to block 304D, where the user input isrequested relating to the size of the item for deposit. In someembodiments, the user may respond to this request by inputting, forexample, the dimensions of the item for deposit, or specifying thegeneral item size, such as, for example, small, medium, or large. Insome embodiments, the request to input the size of the item for depositmay provide general guidance as to how to classify an item as small,medium, or large.

In some embodiments, a scale, a sensor, or measuring device may belocated at the storage unit 100, or may be incorporated into storageunit 100, providing a user with an opportunity to measure the size andweight of an item and provide the measurements to the storage unit 100.A user may manually input the measured item dimensions into the controlunit 144, or the scale, sensor, or measuring device may communicate themeasured item dimensions to control unit 144. In some embodiments, theitem may be provided in a flat-rate box, or one of a set of standardsize boxes. In this embodiment, the user may select or input anidentifier from the flat-rate or standard size box. The control unit 144recognizes the identifier for the flat rate or standard size box, andselects appropriately sized storage receptacles 132 for deposit of theitem in the flat-rate or standard size box.

After requesting that the user input information relating to thedimensions of the item for deposit, the process 300D moves to decisionstate 306D and determines whether the user indicated the item size. Insome embodiments, the item size may be indicated to the control unit 144according to the postage required or paid, where the postage requiredcorresponds to a flat-rate or standard size box.

If the user indicated the item size, the process 300D advances todecision state 308D, and determines whether any storage receptacles 132of adequate size to hold the deposited item are available. In someembodiments, this determination includes, for example, a query of thereceptacle database 171 to determine which receptacles are available andthe sizes of the available receptacles.

If no storage unit of adequate size is available, the process moves toblock 310D and communicates to the user that no storage receptacles 132of adequate size are available in the storage unit 100. In someembodiments, the control unit 144 may display on screen 148 the locationof the nearest storage unit 100 having an available storage receptacle132 appropriate to the item or item size. In some embodiments, screen148 may display the location of the nearest delivery or pick-up points,such as the nearest post offices to the storage unit 100. In someembodiments, this information may be provided on a print out, a receipt,email, or SMS message to the user.

If storage units of adequate size are available, or if the user does notindicate the item size as determined at decision state 306D, the process300D moves to block 312D and communicates the location of availablestorage receptacles. In some embodiments, for example, the screen 148shows a depiction of the storage unit 100, and visually indicates, by,for example, highlighting, available storage receptacles 132.

The process 300D then moves to block 314D where the user is prompted toselect a storage receptacle 132. After receiving the user selection ofthe storage receptacle 132 as depicted in block 316D, the door 136 tothe selected storage receptacle 132 is opened as depicted in block 318D.

The process 300D then proceeds to block 320D, where the user is promptedto deposit the item in the storage receptacle 132. In some embodiments,the door 136 may automatically shut after the item is deposited, or thedoor may be controllably shut after the item is deposited. In someembodiments, the user may be additionally prompted to shut the door 136.In some embodiments, a sensor incorporated into securement feature 140provides confirmation to the control unit 144 that the door has beensecured and locked or unsecured and unlocked. In some embodiments,sensor 145 provides a signal to the control unit 144 that the door isclosed, secured, and/or locked, or open, unsecured, and/or unlocked.

The process then moves to block 322D, and the door 136 is secured. Insome embodiments in which the presence of an item in the storagereceptacle is not automatically detected, after the door is secured, theuser is prompted, as depicted in block 324D, to confirm that the itemwas deposited in the storage receptacle 132. After receiving the userconfirmation that the item was deposited in the storage receptacle asdepicted in block 326D, or after receiving sensing informationindicating that the item was deposited in the storage receptacle, theprocess moves to block 328 where the user is asked if he has anotheritem to deposit.

After receiving the user input as to whether he has another item fordeposit as depicted in block 330D, the process 300D moves to decisionstate 322 and determines whether the user has another item for deposit.If the user has another item for deposit, the process 300D moves toblock 302D and continues through the flow chart. If the user does nothave another item for deposit, then the process 300D ends at block 334D.

FIG. 8E depicts one embodiment of the process 300E associated withprompting the user to deposit an item in the storage receptacle 132 asdepicted in block 320D of FIG. 8D. As depicted in FIG. 8E, the process300E moves to decision state 302E and determines if postage is required.In some embodiments, determining if postage is required may compriseevaluating whether a certain item or identifier input by a userqualifies for deposit into storage unit 100. For example, a user maygenerate an identifier or user access information 151, such as a postagebar code, and provide the barcode to the storage unit 100 via interface150. The process, in decision state 302E may evaluate whether theprovided postage barcode is eligible for use at the storage unit 100.This determination may be based on the identification of the user and aninput from the user identifying the item is a mail item to be sent to aparticular recipient or location. In decision block 302E, thedetermination of whether postage is required may also be made based oninput or scanned dimensions and weight of the item. In some embodimentsthe user inputs a description of the item, any special deliveryinstructions, delivery destination, value of item being deposited, andother similar parameters. Based on these parameters, control unit maydetermine how much postage is required for the item to be deposited. Insome embodiments in which the user is the agent, no postage may berequired. In contrast, in some embodiments in which the customer is theuser, postage may be required.

If postage is required, the process 300E moves to block 304E andrequests and receives user indication of payment of postage. In someembodiments, this comprises completion of a postage purchase transactionat the storage unit 100. In some embodiments, this may compriseproviding an indication of a previously completed postage purchasetransaction. In some embodiments, this indication may comprise scanninga unique identifier such as user access information 151 associated withthe postage purchase transaction, entering a unique identifierassociated with the postage purchase transaction, scanning postagelocated on the item, or any other method of identifying a completedpostage transaction. Upon each transaction, control unit 144 may updatea database maintained on a central controller or server, which will bedescribed in more detail below.

The process 300E then moves to decision state 306E and determines if anindication of payment has been received from the control unit 144. Ifthe indication of payment has not been received, then the processterminates at block 308E. If the indication of payment has beenreceived, then the process moves to decision state 310E and determinesif scanning of an item identifier is required. Advantageously, thescanning of a unique item identifier may allow the storage unit 100 totrack each individual item that is placed in a storage receptacle.

This identifier, such as the user access information 151, may comprise arange of identifiers, and may include a computer readable code, abarcode, a text string, a radio-frequency emitter such as an RFID tag,or any other identifier.

If scanning of an identifier is required, the process 300E moves toblock 312E and prompts the user to scan the identifier. The process 300Ethen moves to decision state 314E and determines if the user scanned theidentifier. If the user did not scan the identifier, then the processreturns to block 312E and prompts the user again to scan the identifier.If the user scanned the identifier, or if no identifier scan wasrequired, the process 300E moves to decision state 316E and determinesif an item deposit date is required. If an item deposit date isrequired, the process 300E moves to block 318E and records the depositdate. In some embodiments, the storage unit 100 is configured to trackthe date, and so will be able to store the deposit date without userinput. In other embodiments in which the storage unit 100 is notconfigured to track the date, the user may be prompted to input adeposit date, which entered date is stored at block 318E.

After the deposit date has been stored in block 318E, or if no depositdate is required, the process 300E moves to decision state 320E anddetermines if recipient identification is desired. In some embodimentsin which an agent is depositing an item in a storage unit 100, therecipient information may be requested so that the recipient is notifiedthat his item is in the storage unit 100 and/or storage receptacle 132and so that the recipient can identify himself to retrieve the item fromthe storage unit 100 and/or storage receptacle 132. In other embodimentsin which the customer is depositing an item in the storage unit 100and/or storage receptacle 132, the identification of the recipient maynot be requested.

If the recipient information is desired, the process 300E moves to block322E and the user is prompted to input recipient information. In someembodiments, the user may manually input the recipient information, mayscan an identifier containing the recipient information, or may use anyother technique to enter the recipient information.

The process 300E then moves to decision state 324E and determines if therecipient identification information has been received. If the recipientidentification information has not been received, the process moves toblock 322E and the user is again prompted to enter the recipientidentification information. If the recipient identification informationhas been entered, or if the recipient identification information is notrequired, then the process moves to block 326E and the depositinformation is stored at the storage unit 100. The process then moves toblock 328E and transmits the item deposit information. In someembodiments, this transmission is from the storage unit 100 and to thestorage unit system 400. Specifically, this transmission is from thestorage unit 100 and to the central management system 404. The processthen terminates at block 330E.

In some embodiments, the storage unit 100 is configured to track theamount of time that an item has been in a storage receptacle 132, anddesignate the item for removal from the storage receptacle 132 if theitem has been in the storage receptacle 132 in excess of some duration.FIG. 8F depicts one embodiment of a process 300F for determining whetheran item should be classified for removal based on the time it has beenin the storage receptacle 132. In some embodiments, the time an item maybe stored in the storage unit 132 may be input by a user into controlunit 144 upon deposit. In some embodiments, the time an item may bestored may be determined by the storage unit 100 based on the categoryof the item, input by the user at time of deposit. In some embodiments,when time an item may be stored is not specified, control unit 144 mayselect a default time for storage of a unit such as 1 hour, 2 hours, 4hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, orany other amount of time. In some embodiments, the control unit 144records the time of deposit regardless of user input. The time ofdeposit may initiate a standard allowed time for an item to remain in astorage receptacle 132 according to a predetermined storage time.

The process 300F depicted in FIG. 8F starts at block 302F by determiningthe classification of the item. This classification may relate to acharacteristic of the delivery service provided for the item, such as,for example, mail class and/or mail type, the nature of the item, suchas, for example, its degree of perishability or size, economic or marketfactors, such as the relative demand for the storage receptacle occupiedby the item, or any other factor relevant to the time that an itemshould be allowed to remain in the storage receptacle 132.

The process 300F moves to block 304F and determines the date that theitem was placed in the storage unit 100. In some embodiments, thestorage unit 100 is configured to track the date, and so this date maybe retrieved from storage unit 100 resources. In other embodiments inwhich the storage unit 100 is not configured to track the date, thisdate may be retrieved from remote resources located within a storageunit system.

After determining the date that the item was placed in the storage unit100 at block 304F, the process 300F moves to decision state 306F anddetermines if the initial time for item pick-up has passed, or if theitem has been stored longer than input or predetermined time for an itemto be stored in the storage receptacle 132 has elapsed. If the initialtime period for item pick-up has not passed, the process 300F terminatesat block 308F.

If the initial time period for item pickup has passed, the process 300Fproceeds to block 310F and notice information 153 is sent to theintended recipient of the item to pick-up the item. In some embodiments,this notice information 153 may provide the address of the storage unit100, identify the storage receptacle 132 holding the item within thestorage unit 100, provide the user access information 151, provide adate before which the item must be picked-up, provide notice proceduresif the item is not retrieved, and any other desired information. In someembodiments, this notice information 153 comprises an electroniccommunication to, for example, an email account, a telephone number, asocial network homepage, or any other electronic communication. In someembodiments, the notice information 153 comprises a voice communicationsent to a telephone number or other account capable of receiving a voicecommunication. In some embodiments, the notice information 153 comprisesa paper communication sent to the address of the intended recipient ofthe item. The notice information 153 may be generated upon a userrequest or automatically by the storage unit 100.

After sending the notice information 153 to the user at block 310F, theprocess 300F advances to block 312F and waits until the designated timeperiod has passed. After the time period has passed, the process 300Fadvances to decision state 314F and determines whether the item has beenpicked-up. If the item has been picked-up, the process 300F terminatesat block 316F. If the item has not been picked-up, the process 300Fmoves to block 318F and determines if any additional time is availablefor picking-up the item. In some embodiments, the user may specifywhether there is an extended time for pick-up of the item, or that theitem may be stored in the storage unit 132. In some embodiments, thestorage unit 100 may determine two time periods, the first period beingthe initial time for storage, and the second period being an extended oradditional time for item pickup, which may be available upon payment ofan additional fee. In some embodiments, the user may indicate whetherthe item should be provided to another storage unit 100 upon the firstperiod elapsing.

If additional time is available to pick-up the item, the process 300Fmoves to block 310F, and continues through the flow-chart until theprocess is terminated. If the item is not picked up within a first timeperiod, the above notice is sent. If the item is not picked up withinthe second extended or additional time period, a second noticeinformation 153 is sent.

If there is no additional time period available for picking-up of theitem, the process 300F advances to block 320F where the item isidentified as being held beyond its allowed retention period. In someembodiments, this designation is stored in a local database at thestorage unit 100, and in other embodiments, this designation is storedat a central database in a storage unit system. In addition todesignating the item as being held beyond its allowed retention periodat block 320F, the process 300F designates the item for removal from thestorage unit at block 322F. In some embodiments, this designation isstored in a local database at the storage unit 100, and in otherembodiments, this designation is stored at a central database in astorage unit system. In some embodiments, once the allowed storage timehas elapsed, the item is returned to the sender, or the depositor isnotified to come retrieve the item.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the storage unit 100 is astandalone unit. In some embodiments, however, a plurality of storageunits 100 may be integrated into a single storage unit system. FIGS. 9through 9D depict schematic illustrations of embodiments of storage unitsystems 400. As depicted in FIG. 9, a storage unit system 400 comprisesa storage unit 402. In one embodiment, the storage unit 402 of thestorage unit system 400 comprises a storage unit 402 and/or storagereceptacle 132 as described with respect to items 100 and 144,respectively, for example in FIGS. 1-6. In some embodiments, the storageunit system 400 comprises a plurality of storage units 402 and/or ofstorage receptacles 132. The storage units 402 are configured forcommunication with other features of the storage unit system 400 acrossa network 406. In some embodiments, the network may comprise a localarea network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN) or any other type ofnetwork. The storage units 402 are wired to or wirelessly communicatewith the network, via, for example, a cellular network.

The storage unit system 400 further comprises computing and memoryresources. These computing resources may include one or severalprocessors, computers, servers, or other computing resources. The memoryresources may include, for example different types of volatile ornon-volatile memory. A user or customer may sign up or register to be auser of the storage unit system 400. By doing so, a customer can selectthat particular items the customer orders be sent to a specificlocation. A customer may also provide pick-up and delivery preferencesat the time of registration. The information provided at registrationmay be stored in a customer database as described herein. A customer maysign up by accessing the network, establishing user identification andpassword, and other information that may be useful to facilitate pick-upand delivery of items. Vendors, sellers, merchants, and other similarparties may also register to use the storage unit system 400. By sodoing, they can provide a convenient delivery option for a customer oruser who orders an item from them. The vendors may establish preferencesfor pick-up and delivery items for users of the storage system 400. Insome embodiments, the customer may not be a registered user, but may beidentified as a guest user. A guest user may be provided with useraccess information 151 or other unique code or identifier, appropriatefor a single or limited number of uses, and provide this code 151 at astorage unit 100 in order to complete a transaction.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the computing and memory resourcesinclude, for example, a central management system 404, one or severalengineering support servers 408, and an agent directory 410. In some ofembodiments, each of these computing resources may comprise memoryincluding stored instructions and one or more databases.

In some embodiments the central management system 404 comprises acomputing resource such as, for example, a computer, a computer system,a server, one or several processors, or any other feature configured toreceive and transmit information and instructions to and from thestorage units 402, receive and transmit information and instructionsrelating to item status and delivery, and receive and transmitinformation and instructions to and from other components of the storageunit system 400. In some embodiments, and as depicted FIG. 9, thecentral management system 404 comprises a database 414 comprisinginformation relating to the storage unit 100 and the item status. Insome embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 9, the central managementsystem 404 comprises memory 416 comprising instructions for theoperation of the aspects of the storage unit system 400.

As depicted in FIG. 9, the storage unit system 400 further comprises oneor more engineering support servers 408. The engineering support serversmay comprise a computing resource such as, for example, a computer, acomputer system, a server, one or several processors, or any otherdesired computing resource capable. The engineering support servers maycomprise software located on the computing resource configured tomaintain the functionality, security, and updatedness of storage unitsoftware. In some embodiments, the engineering support servers 408 mayutilize commercial security products to maintain the security of thestorage unit system 400. These products may include anti-virus products,anti-malware products, firewalls, and any other product or softwareconfigured to provide or improve security. In some embodiments, theengineering support servers 408 comprise software configured to monitorthe functionality of software in different components of the storageunit system 400, and specifically in the storage units 402. In someembodiments, the software configured to monitor the functionality ofsoftware throughout the storage unit system 400 is configured to detectand repair issues in individual components of the storage unit system400 or across the entire storage unit system 400. Thus, in someembodiments, this feature is used to repair, upgrade, or replace thesoftware used by components of the storage unit system 400.

The storage unit system may additionally comprise an agent directory410. The agent directory 410 may comprise stand-alone computingcapability, or the information of the agent directory 410 is located incomputing capability shared with one or more other components of thestorage unit system 400.

In one embodiment, the agent directory 410 comprises a database 418 ofindividuals. In one embodiment, these individuals are affiliated throughthe operation and maintenance of the storage unit system 400. In oneembodiment, these individuals may be employees or contractors of theentity owning and controlling the storage unit system 400. In someembodiments, the database 418 comprises information relating to theaccess provided to each individual. Thus, individuals within thedatabase 418 are provided with different levels of access to thecomponents of the storage unit system 400 or to the storage unit system400 based on, for example, their responsibilities or any other factor.

The storage unit system 400 further comprises a customer directory 412.The customer directory 412 may comprise stand-alone computingcapability, or the information of the customer directory 412 may belocated in computing capability shared with one or more other componentsof the storage unit system 400.

In one embodiment, the customer directory 412 comprises a database 420of individuals. In one embodiment, the individuals is, for example,individuals who have successfully completed the registration process foruse of the storage unit system 400, individuals who have begun theregistration process for use of the storage unit system 400, orindividuals who have been invited to register for use of the storageunit system 400. In some embodiments, information stored in the database420 may include, for example, account and customer identificationinformation, account preferences, payment information, and any otherinformation associated with the customer and/or the account. In someembodiments, information stored in the database 420 may include, forexample, data related to customer or recipient activity. Activity heremay include, as discussed further herein, data related to frequencyand/or efficiency of use of the storage system.

In some embodiments, the customer identification information mayinclude, for example, a cell phone number, an account number, a username, a password, a name, an address, or any other user identifyinginformation.

In some embodiments, the account preferences may include, for example,preferred delivery method, contact information, preferred contactmethod, preferred delivery locations, including, for example, apreference list identifying different storage units 402 and theircomparative preference as delivery locations, and any other accountpreferences.

In some embodiments, the information stored on database 420 is receivedfrom a customer 422 during the registration process. A “customer” asused herein may refer to a recipient of an item, a user of the system,and/or other persons involved in the storage system and processesdescribed herein. In one embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 9, thecustomer 422 provides this information during the registration processacross a network 424, such as the internet. In some embodiments, thecustomer 422 may provide this information to a web-site during theregistration process. A person of skill in the art will recognize that acustomer 422 will be able to access a web-site using a range oftechnologies and devices, including, for example, a computer, aSmartphone, a tablet, or any other device configured for internetaccess. In some embodiments, a web-site may handle customer relatedinteractions such as customer registration, electronic parcel lockerselection, contact information, and access management.

In some embodiments in which the database 420 is associated with anetwork, the customer directory 412 and the associated database 420 isseparated from other components of the network by a security feature426. In some embodiments, the security feature may comprise, forexample, a firewall, a filter, or any other feature, product, orsoftware stored on the hardware configured to allow controlled andsecure access of information from the database 420 by components of thestorage unit system 400.

The storage unit system 400 further comprises an agent access point 428.The agent access point 428 may be a back 160 interface of a control unit144, as discussed in further detail herein. It may also refer to theback 160 of a storage unit 100 and/or of other components of a storageunit system 400. The agent access point 428 may also be in a remotelocation relative to the storage unit 100 and may be a portable ornon-portable device. A single storage unit 100 may have a plurality ofagent access points 428 each with different levels of access andfunctionality and may exist as a variety of devices. Features discussedherein with respect to the back 160 of control unit 144 or storage unit100 apply equally to discussion here of the agent access point 428.

In some embodiments, the agent access point 428 is configured to allowan agent to access the storage unit system 400. The agent access point428 may comprise a variety of devices, including a PC, a laptop, amobile device, a handheld device, a Smartphone, or any other devicecapable of requesting and receiving information across a network. Insome embodiments, the agent access point 428 is configured to transmitinformation to the central management system 404 relating to items fordelivery to a storage unit 402. The agent access point 428 is furtherconfigured to receive information from the storage unit system 402relating to capacity for receiving the item at one or several storageunits. In some embodiments, the agent access point 428 is configured tosend a request to the storage unit system 400 to reserve a storagereceptacle 132 for delivery at a storage unit 402.

The different components of the storage unit system 400 may communicatevia a communication link with each other. In some embodiments, thecommunication link is a wired or wireless connection. In someembodiments, the different components of the storage unit system 400 isredundantly connected, with a combination of different wired and/orwireless connections and links.

FIG. 9A depicts a functional layout of one embodiment of the storageunit system 400. As depicted in FIG. 9A, the storage unit system 400comprises a first storage unit 402 a, a second storage unit 402, and acentral server 430. The central server 430 depicted in FIG. 9A comprisesa variety of features, including the databases and capabilities of thesystem as discussed in relation to FIG. 9. Central server 430 provides acentral control station for the system 400. For example, as requests forstorage receptacle availability are received either at individualstorage units 100 or via the network 424, the request may be provided tothe server 430 as they are received. As further depicted in FIG. 9A, thestorage units 402 a, 402 b and the central server 430 arecommunicatingly connected. This communicating connection is wired orwireless, or a combination thereof. As depicted in FIG. 9A, thisconnection includes a transmission feature 434 capable of sending andreceiving wireless communications.

As further depicted in FIG. 9A, the storage unit system 400 iscommunicatingly connected with a plurality of customers 422 a, 422 b,422 c, and an agent 432. Customers here may refer to recipients, users,or other persons involved in the storage of an item. As furtherdepicted, the communication to the customers 422 a, 422 b, and 422 c maybe achieved through a variety of means, including, for example, anelectronic communication such as an email 422 c or an SMS 422 b, orthrough delivery of written notification 422 a.

In some embodiments, the customer 422 receives and transmits informationto the storage unit system 422. In some embodiments, the customer 422accesses the storage unit system 422 using a computing device via thenetwork and request information relating to the status of a delivery,the location of an item, the availability of specified storage units402, locations of storage units 402, or any other desired information.

In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 9A, an agent 432 deliveringitems can communicate with customers 422 a, 422 b, 422 c, with a centralserver 430 and with other components of the storage unit system 400. Insome embodiments, this communication is via a wireless device, such as,for example, a handheld device, a Smartphone, a mobile device, or anyother device capable of wireless network communications. In someembodiments, the wireless device communicates with the storage unitsystem via, for example, a transmission feature 434. Advantageously,such communication may allow an agent to receive and transmit real-timeinformation relating to the availability status of storage units 402 andrelating to the delivery of items.

In some embodiments, the customer 422 may access the central server 430via network 424 via a user interface existing on network 424. Using theuser interface, the customer 422 may check availability of one or morestorage receptacles 132 in one or more storage units 100 located in auser-specified geographic area, capable of receiving a particular item.The customer 422 receives a report of storage units available to receivethe particular item. The customer 422 may reserve a particular storagereceptacle 132 via the user interface over the network, and then thecustomer 422 may physically go to the particular storage receptacle 132and deposit an item as described herein.

In some embodiments, a storage unit 100 containing an item designatedfor an intended recipient can send a notification or information aboutthe item to the central server 430, which can then route thenotification or information to the customer 422 for whom the item isdesignated or intended. In some embodiments, the agent 432 maycommunicate its position continuously or at periodic intervals to thecentral server 430. The central server may also receive periodic updatesabout deposits and items in storage receptacles 132. When the centralserver 430 receives information regarding an item to be picked-up fromor delivered to a particular storage unit 100, the central server 430sends a notification to the agent 432 directing the agent to pick up anitem from or deliver an item to a particular storage unit 100. Thisnotification may be coordinated by the central server 430 such thatnotifications are preferably sent to the agents 432 who are nearest inproximity to the storage unit containing the item to be picked-up or thestorage unit to which the item is to be delivered. In some embodiments,the central server notifies the agent 432 whose planned route passes inproximity to the storage unit 100 where the item is to be picked up ordelivered.

FIGS. 10-10C depict one embodiment of a process 500 of controlling astorage unit system 100. In some embodiments, the process 500 isperformed at the storage unit 100, and a cooperating process isperformed by computing resources elsewhere in the storage unit system400. Although FIGS. 10-10C depicts steps specifically performed by thestorage unit, a person of skill in the art will recognize that any othercomponent of the storage unit system 400 can perform similar oridentical steps. As described herein, when messages are sent and/orreceived, the messages may originate in the control unit 144 or in thecentral server 430, as the circumstances require. The central server 430may control the process 500, and may direct the operations of othercomponents, including the sending of messages by the control units 144.The central server 430 may facilitate message and information sendingbetween various components of the storage unit system 400 according tothe processes and methods described herein.

The process 500 moves to decision state 502 and determines if adesignated time interval has passed. The time interval may be anyspecified time interval. In some embodiments, the time interval may be,for example, 1 second, 1 minute, 5 minutes 15 minutes, 30 minutes 1hour, 12 hours, 1 day, 1 week, or any other desired time interval. Thetime interval may be determined by a number of factors, including, forexample, the frequency with which customers use the storage unit 100,the frequency with which software updates of hardware maintenance isrequired, the location of the storage unit 100, the system bandwidthand/or processing capabilities, and/or any other factor.

If the time interval has passed, an alive message is sent as depicted atblock 504. This message indicates that the storage unit 100 is properlyfunctioning, and has no specific needs.

After sending the alive message at block 504, the process 500 moves toblock 506 and awaits receipt of a response to the alive message. Oncethe response to the alive message is received, the process 500 moves todecision state 508 and determines if the response is an acknowledgement.An acknowledgement may comprise a message indicating that the alivemessage was received. In some embodiments, an acknowledgement mayinclude further instructions for execution by the storage unit. In someembodiments, the acknowledgement may not include any instructions. Ifthe response is an acknowledgment, then the process terminates at block510.

If the response is not an acknowledgement, then the process moves todecision state 512 and determines if the response is a configurationupdate. A configuration update may provide a software update or softwarepatch to maintain and improve the operating system of the storage unit100.

If the response is not a configuration update, the process moves todecision state 514 and determines if the response is a status orstatistics request message. In some embodiments, a status or statisticsrequest message is periodically requested to provide an update on usageof the storage unit 100, usage of the individual storage receptacles 132of the storage unit 100, any maintenance requests, present availabilityof storage receptacles, and/or any other information relating to thestorage unit.

If the message is not a status or statistics request message, theprocess moves to decision state 516 and determines if the response is acustomer update message. A customer update message may provide, forexample, an update relating to customers who have used the storage unit100. This may include, for example, user identification information,user passwords, user pictures, and identification of user transactionswith the storage unit 100 such as, for example, the picking-up ordepositing of one or several items.

If the message is a customer update message, the process moves to block518 and a customer update is provided. After providing the customerupdate, the process terminates at block 520. Returning again to block516, if the response is not a customer update message, the process movesto block 522 and requests a new response as the response was not of anexpected type, in an expected format, or otherwise not readable. Afterrequesting a new response, the process terminates at block 524.

Returning again to block 514, if the response is a status or statisticsrequest message, the process moves to block 526 and determines thestatus of the storage unit 100. This may include, for example,determining the availability of storage receptacles 132, determiningwhether any maintenance or updates are required, determining how manystorage receptacles 132 are occupied, determining how many storagereceptacles 132 are reserved, and making any other determinationrelating to the status of the storage unit 100.

The process then moves to block 528 and determines storage unit 100statistics. These statistics may include, for example, the averagenumber of available storage receptacles 132, the average number ofoccupied storage receptacles 132, the average number of reserved storagereceptacles, the number of customers who have used the storagereceptacle, the average number of customers using the storage receptaclein a specified time period, the actual number of customers using thestorage receptacle in a specified time period, the average amount oftime an item is left in the storage receptacle 132 before beingpicked-up, the frequency of use of the system by a particular recipientor user or customer, the efficiency of use of the system by a particularrecipient or user or customer, or any other desired statistic relatingto the storage unit 100.

The process 500 then moves to block 530 and the status and statisticsmessage is sent. In some embodiments, the status and statistics messagesare sent to the central server 430. The process 500 then terminates atblock 532.

Returning again to block 512, if the process determines that theresponse is a configuration update, then the process moves to block 534and creates a local backup of the old software configuration. Thisbackup may be of the entire software configuration, or portions of thesoftware configuration that will be replaced by the presentconfiguration update. After backing-up the old configuration, theprocess 500 moves to block 536 and evaluates the new configuration. Thisevaluation may be configured to determine which portions of the softwareconfiguration will be updated, to detect any obvious errors in the newconfiguration, and to screen the new configuration for security threats,such as, malware and/or viruses.

The process then moves to decision state 544 and determines if the newconfiguration may be activated. If the new configuration may beactivated, the process moves to block 546 and the new configuration isactivated. The process then terminates at block 548.

If the process determines that the new configuration cannot beactivated, the process moves to block 538 and the old, backupconfiguration is activated. After activating the backup configuration,the storage unit transmits an error message indicating that the newconfiguration cannot be activated at block 540. The process 500 thenmoves to block 542 and the storage unit 100 receives a new configurationmessage. The process then returns to block 536 and the new configurationis evaluated. From this block, the process moves to block 544 andproceeds as described above.

Returning again to block 502, if the designated time interval has notpassed, the process moves to decision state 550 and determines if a newsoftware configuration is required. If no new software configuration isrequired, then the process moves to decision state 552 and determines ifa status message should be sent. A status message may compriseinformation relating to, for example, the status of the storage unit 100and the status of the storage receptacles 132. This may includeinformation relating to any required maintenance, the availability ofstorage receptacles 132, the number and identification of storagereceptacles 132 occupied by an item, the number and identification ofstorage receptacles 132 reserved for receiving an item, the length oftime that items have been in the occupied storage receptacles 132, andany other desired status information.

If the process 500 determines that a status message should be sent, thenthe message is sent at block 554, and the process terminates at block556.

If a status message should not be sent, as decided at decision state552, the process moves to decision state 558 and determines if astatistics message should be sent. A statistics message may include, forexample, the average number of available storage receptacles 132, theaverage number of occupied storage receptacles 132, the average numberof reserved storage receptacles, the number of customers who have usedthe storage receptacle, the average number of customers using thestorage receptacle in a specified time period, the actual number ofcustomers using the storage receptacle in a specified time period, theaverage amount of time an item is left in the storage receptacle 132before being picked-up, or any other desired statistic relating to thestorage unit 100. If the statistics message should be sent, then theprocess moves to block 560 and the message is sent and the processterminates at block 556.

If a statistics message should not be sent, then the process moves todecision state 562 and determines if an error message should be sent. Anerror message may report a malfunction of the hardware or software ofthe storage unit 100. In some embodiments, for example, an error messageis sent when a door 136 of a storage receptacle 132 cannot be shutand/or re-secured. Similarly, in some embodiments, an error message issent when some aspect of the software fails to properly operate. If anerror message should be sent, then the process moves to decision state564 and the error message is sent, after which the process terminates atblock 566. An error message may be sent if a printer is out of paper, ascanner fails, a storage receptacle 132 fails, high heat or humidity aredetected, vandalism detected, power failure, or other error conditions.

Returning again to block 550, if a new configuration is required, theprocess moves to block 568 and a request configuration message is sent.The process then moves to block 570 and a configuration message isreceived. The process then proceeds to back up the old configuration asdepicted at block 534 and to evaluate the new configuration at block536. The process then proceeds to decision state 544 and proceedsthrough the flow-chart as discussed above.

Some embodiments of a storage unit system 400 include security featuresto protect deposited items and to avoid accidental removal of the wrongitem. One of these features is the user identification system. Oneprocess 500A used for user identification is depicted in FIGS. 10D-10E.

In some embodiments, the storage unit system 400 includes securityfeatures. For example, a storage unit 100 may comprise an accelerometerconfigured to identify an abrupt, sharp, or other unexpected movement ofthe storage unit 100, and communicate this acceleration as evidence oftampering or attempted tampering. The cameras associated with storageunit 100, including the camera on the control cabinet 146 and on theroof 124 may be motion activated and provide monitoring of transactions.These security measures may be provided to meet stringent standards asrequested or required by a particular organization, such as, forexample, the United States Postal Service. In some embodiments, thestorage unit system, specifically the storage units 100, may beconfigured, e.g. designed, to meet underwriting laboratory (UL)requirements, ergonomic requirements, specific industry standardrequirements, government requirements such as ABA, ADA, 508, etc.,and/or other requirements.

Process 500A begins at block 502A when the user identification andpassword are received. At block 504A the entered user identification andpicture captured at the time of entry of the user identification arestored.

The process then proceeds to decision state 506A and determines whetherthe customer identification is a default agent identification. Thedecision may be based on a list of agent identification stored ondatabase 171 in memory 170.

If the identification is an agent identification, then the process movesto block 508A and the identification and entered password are locallyauthenticated by the storage unit 100 where the identification andpassword were entered. In some embodiments, the identification andentered password may be remotely authenticated.

The process then proceeds to decision state 510 and determines if theentered password is correct. If the password is incorrect, the processmoves to block 512A and access to the storage unit 100 is denied.

If the entered password is correct for the entered agent identification,then the process moves to block 514A and access is allowed. The processthen moves to block 516A and the storage unit 100 transmits a logged-inmessage to the central management system 404. The logged-in message mayinclude the date and time the user logged in to the storage unit. Insome embodiments, the logged-in message may include the useridentification, password, and/or image captured at the time of userlog-in.

The process 500A then moves to block 518A and the storage unit performsthe operations requested by the agent and outlined throughout thepresent specification. The process 500A then ends at block 520A.

Returning again to block 506A, if the user identification is not adefault agent identification, then the process moves to block 522A andtransmits the user identification and password to the customer directory412 and requests verification of the identification and password by thecustomer directory 412. The process then moves to block 524A andreceives the response transmission.

The process then moves to decision state 526A and determines if theidentification and password are verified. If the identification andpassword are not verified, the process moves to block 528A and access tothe storage unit is denied. In some embodiments, the identification andpassword are verified by comparing the transmitted user identificationand password to prestored user identification and password contained incustomer directory 412. A user may provide the prestored useridentification and password upon signing up to use the storage system400, or by registering as a customer of the storage system 400.

If the identification and password are verified, the process moves toblock 530A and access to the storage unit is allowed. The process thenmoves to block 532A and the storage unit 100 sends a logged-in messageto the central management system 404. The logged-in message may includethe date and time the user logged in to the storage unit. In someembodiments, the logged-in message may include the user identification,password, and/or image captured at the time of user log-in.

The process 500A then moves to block 534A and the storage unit performsthe operations requested by the user and outlined throughout the presentspecification. The process 500A then ends at block 536A.

FIG. 10F depicts one embodiment of the process 500B of customerverification performed using the customer directory 412. The process500B begins at block 502B when the customer identification and passwordand a request for authentication of the customer identification andpassword are received. The process 500B moves to block 504B and thecustomer directory 412 is queried.

The process 500B then moves to decision state 506B and determines if thecustomer identification and password match information stored in thecustomer directory 412. If the customer identification and password donot match the information stored in the customer directory, then theprocess 500B moves to block 508B and a response is transmitted to thestorage unit 100 that indicates that the identification and passwordcombination are incorrect.

If the customer identification and password match information in thecustomer directory 412, then the process 500B moves to block 510B, andthe response is transmitted to the storage unit 100 indicating that theidentification and password combination is correct.

The process 500B then moves to block 512B and a logged-in message isreceived from the storage unit 100 indicating that the customer hassuccessfully logged-in. The logged-in message may include informationrelating to the user and the log-in, including, for example, thecustomer password, customer identification, customer image capturedduring log-in, date of log-in, time of log-in, or any other informationrelated to the log-in. The process 500B then moves to block 514B and thelogged-in message is stored, and then the process terminates at block516B.

FIG. 10G provides further detail into the steps of some processes usedin picking-up an item from a storage unit 100 when the storage unit 100is functioning as part of a storage unit system 400. Specifically, FIG.10G depicts one embodiment of a process 500C for requesting confirmationof item pick-up as depicted in block 312B of FIG. 8B. Accordingly, thesteps of the present process 500C occur within block 312B of FIG. 8B.

As depicted in FIG. 10G, the process 500C for requesting confirmation ofitem pick-up begins at block 522C by prompting the user to pick-up theitem. This prompt may be, for example, in addition to an indication ofwhich storage receptacle 132 contains the item, and in addition toopening of the storage receptacle 132 containing the item.

After prompting the user to pick-up the item, the process 500C advancesto block 524C where the user is prompted to scan an identifier, such asuser access information 151, related to the item. In some embodiments,this may comprise, for example, scanning a computer readable bar code,receiving a radio frequency transmission, scanning a text string, orscanning any other feature identifying the item.

After prompting the user to scan the identifier as depicted in block524C, the process 500C advances to block 526C, where the storage unit100 receives data from the scanning of the identifier.

After receiving data from the scanning of the identifier as depicted inblock 526C, the storage unit 100 prompts the user to confirm the pick-upof the item at block 528C. The process 500C then advances to decisionstate 530C where it determines whether a user signature is required. Ifa signature is required, the storage unit 100 prompts the user toprovide a signature as depicted in block 532C. The storage unit thenreceives the signature as depicted in block 534C.

After receiving the signature as depicted in block 534C, or afterdetermining that no signature is required in decision state 530C, theprocess 500C moves to block 536C and stores pick-up-information. Thisinformation may include, for example, the user identification, the userpassword, the image captured at the time of log-in, the user imagecaptured at the time of pick-up or pick-up confirmation, the itemnumber, and/or any other information relating to the item pick-up.

The process 500C then moves to block 538C and requests and receivesinformation relating to the communications status of the storage unit100. The process then proceeds to decision state 540C and determineswhether the storage unit is online and able to communicate with othercomponents of the storage unit system 400. If the storage unit is notonline, the process moves to block 542C and waits until thecommunications with the storage unit system 400 have been reestablishedand the storage unit 100 is online. After the storage unit 100 returnsonline, or if the storage unit is online in decision state 540C, theprocess moves to block 544C and the storage unit transmits theconfirmation to the other components of the storage unit system 400. Theprocess then terminates at block 546C.

FIG. 10H depicts one embodiment of aspects of a process 500D fordepositing items at a storage unit 100 that is functioning as part of astorage unit system 400. The process 500D begins at block 502D when thestorage unit 100 receives a user input indicating intent to deposit anitem. The process 500D moves to block 504D and requests and receivesinformation relating to the storage unit 100 communications status, andspecifically to the ability of the storage unit 100 to communicate withother components of the storage unit system 400.

The process then moves to decision state 506D and determines if thestorage unit 100 is online and may communicate with other components ofthe storage unit system 400. If the storage unit is online, the processmoves to block 508D, and the user continues with the deposit of the itemfollowing processes outlined in this specification.

If the storage unit 100 is not online and cannot communicate with othercomponents of the storage unit system 400, then the process moves toblock 510D and communicates to the user that items cannot be presentlydeposited. The process then terminates at block 512D.

FIG. 10I depicts one embodiment of a process 500E for registering usersto allow access to the storage units 402 of the storage unit system 400.Process 500E moves to block 502E and receives user registrationinformation. In some embodiments, user registration information may bereceived in electronic or non-electronic form. In some embodiments, auser may fill out a registration form. This form may be, for example,delivered to an agent of the storage unit system 400 who can verify theuser access information. In another embodiment, the user can fill outand submit an electronic form located, for example, on a website. Thisuser access information may include, for example, a desired username, adesired password, the user's name, the user's address, the user'spreferred storage unit 402 locations, the user's email address, theuser's telephone number, and any other desired information.

The process then moves to block 504E and requests user authenticationand completion of registration. The request may be made via any form ofcommunication, including electronic communication, such as, for example,email, SMS, telecommunications, mail, or any other desired form ofcommunication. The request for authentication and completion ofregistration may request verification of the already receivedinformation, further information about the user, and that the usercontacts an agent of the storage unit system 400 for verification ofuser provided information.

The process then moves to block 506E and receives the completed andauthenticated registration information from the user. The process thenmoves to decision state 508E and determines if the user accessinformation may be validated. In some embodiments, the user accessinformation is validated by comparison of user submitted information topublic or secure information relating to the user. In some embodiments,the user access information is validated by a comparison to secureinformation maintained by a postal agency such as, for example theUnited States Postal Service.

If the user access information cannot be validated, the process 500Emoves to block 510E and follow-up is requested from an agent 432 inorder to determine whether the user access information was correct, orwhether there is an error in the system. If the used information isvalidated, process 500E proceeds to block 512E and the user account isdesignated as active. The process then moves to block 514E andnotification of account activation is sent to the user. Followingnotification, the process ends in block 516E. In some embodiments, thismay include sending a user identification and user password foraccessing the storage units 400. In some embodiments, this includesproviding a computer readable card or object containing informationuniquely identifying the user. A person of skill in the art willrecognize that a variety of methods of identifying a user may be usedand the present disclosure is not limited to any specific form of useridentification.

In some embodiments, the storage unit system 400 facilitates thedelivery of an item by tailoring delivery to a recipient's deliverypreferences. The delivery preferences of a recipient may be provided tothe storage unit system 400 upon deposit of the item. In someembodiments, the delivery preferences of a recipient may be providedupon registering as a customer or user of the storage unit system 400,and the delivery preferences may be stored in the customer data 412.

FIGS. 10J-10K depict one embodiment of process 500F used in connectionwith a storage unit system for delivering an item. The process 500Fbegins at block 502F and receives a request for delivery of an item to astorage unit 402. The process 502F then proceeds to block 504F andrequests and receives information relating to a preferred storage unit402. The preferred storage unit may be indicated by a user or customerupon depositing the item, or by the user when registering or signing upto use the storage unit system 412. In some embodiments, a customer mayspecify one or more preferred storage units 402 for receiving itemdelivery. In some embodiments, these preferences are ranked from mostpreferential to least preferential. In some further embodiments, a useris assigned a default storage unit 402. The default storage unit 402 maycomprise a vast number of storage receptacles 132, and may be located,at, for example, a post office. Advantageously, evaluation of theavailability of preferred storage units 402 based on their preferencerank results in placement of the item in the most preferred storage unit402 with an available storage receptacle 132 of adequate size to holdthe item.

The process 500F then moves to block 506F and determines if thepreferred storage unit can receive the item. If the evaluated storageunit 100 cannot hold the item, the process 500F moves to decision state508F and determines if the customer has an additional preferred storageunit 402. If the customer has an additional preferred storage unit, thenthe process returns to block 506F and determines if that next preferredstorage unit 402 can receive the item.

Returning to decision state 508F, if there are no additional preferredstorage units, the process 500F moves to decision state 510F anddetermines if a default storage unit 402 is available. If a defaultstorage unit 402 is available, then the process 500F moves to decisionstate 512F and determines if the default storage unit 402 can receivethe item. If the default storage unit 402 cannot receive the item, or ifthere is no default storage unit 402, then the process moves to block514F and the item is designated for alternate delivery. In someembodiments, alternate delivery may comprise in person delivery, ordelayed delivery when one of the preferred or default storage units 402can receive the item.

Returning again to decision state 512F, if the default storage unit canreceive the item, or if one of the preferred storage units can receivethe item, then the process moves to block 516F and the item isdesignated for delivery to the available storage unit 402.

The process then proceeds to block 518F and reserves the requiredstorage receptacle 132 in the desired storage unit 402 for receipt ofthe item. In some embodiments, this reservation may be made throughcommunication with the central management system 404. In someembodiments, the reservation is made by communication with the storageunit 402 to which the item will be delivered. In some embodiments, thereservation is made by a communication to both the storage unit 402 towhich the item will be delivered and to the central management system404. The reservation is communicated to central server 430, whichmaintains a database of the status of each storage receptacle 132 withinstorage unit system 400. The status includes which storage receptacles132 are available, which are occupied, and which have been reserved,thus preventing the storage unit system 400 from reserving a particularstorage receptacle 132 to more than one user or customer.

The process 500F then proceeds to block 520F and requests updatedcapacity status from the storage unit 402 to which the item will bedelivered. The updated capacity status is then stored in the database414 in the central management system 404, updating the capacityinformation for the storage unit as depicted in block 522F.

The process then moves to block 524F and communicates deliveryinformation to the recipient. This information may be communicated withany communication method, including, for example, electroniccommunication, telecommunication, or postal communication, and theprocess terminates at block 526F.

In some embodiments, the use of a storage unit system may affect methodsof delivery an item. In some embodiments, the method of delivery istailored to a customer preference. FIG. 11 depicts one exemplary process600 for matching delivery to a customer's preference. The process 600begins at block 602 and receives item recipient information. Thisinformation may include item information, recipient identification,recipient delivery preferences, recipient physical address, recipientstorage unit address, and any other recipient information. Theinformation may be provided by the user who deposits the item, or by avendor or merchant who requests that an item be delivered via thestorage unit system 400. The process then moves to decision state 604and determines if the recipient is registered for storage unit delivery.If the recipient is not registered for storage unit delivery, theprocess is terminated at block 606.

If the recipient is registered for storage unit delivery, the processmoves to decision state 608 and determines if the recipient hasrequested first attempt personal delivery. First attempt personaldelivery occurs when the agent delivering the item makes a first attemptto deliver the item to the physical address or other specified locationassociated with the recipient. If the recipient wants first attemptpersonal delivery, then the process moves to block 610 and the agentattempts to deliver the item to the recipient. The process then moves todecision state 612 and determines if the recipient received the item byaccessing pick-up confirmation information of control unit 144 orcentral server 430. If the recipient received the item, then the processterminates at block 614.

If the recipient did not receive the item, or if the recipient has notedthat they do not desire first attempt personal delivery, then theprocess moves to block 616 and prepares for item delivery to a storageunit 402. In some embodiments, this may include placing a uniqueidentification feature on the item, scanning the identification featureto enter the item into the system, entering the recipient informationinto the system so as to associate the recipient information with theitem, and any other steps. In some embodiments, this informationrelating to the item identification and the recipient information isstored in the database 414 of the central management system 404.

The process then proceeds to block 618 and the customer is notified ofthe pending delivery to the storage unit 402. As mentioned above, thisnotification may be provided electronically, by telephone, or bywriting. The process then proceeds to block 620 and the deliveryprocedure continues as outlined throughout this specification. Aftercompletion of the delivery procedure, the process terminates as depictedat block 622.

FIGS. 11A-11B depict one embodiment of a process 600A used by an agentin delivering an item. The process 600A may be performed by the agentwith a device configured to network communication such as, for example,a computer, a Smartphone, a tablet, a handheld device with networkaccess, a wireless device with network access, or any other device withnetwork communication capability. The process 600A begins at block 602Awhen item recipient information is received. The process 600A continuesto block 604A and requests and receives information relating to whetherthe recipient receives storage unit deliveries.

The process 600A continues at decision state 606A and determines if therecipient receives storage unit deliveries. If the recipient does notreceive storage unit deliveries, the process 600A terminates at block608A. If the recipient receives storage unit deliveries, the process600A continues at block 610A and requests and receives informationrelating to whether the recipient receives first attempt deliveries.

The process 600A continues to decision state 612A and determines if therecipient receives first attempt deliveries. If the recipient receivesfirst attempt deliveries, the process 600A continues to block 614A whendelivery of the item is attempted. At decision state 616A, the process600A determines if the delivery of the item was successful based ondelivery status provided by an agent 432. If the delivery wassuccessful, the process 600A terminates at block 618A. If the deliveryattempt was unsuccessful, then the process 600A moves to block 620A andthe recipient is notified of the pending delivery to the storage unit402.

After notifying the recipient of the pending delivery to the storageunit 402, or if the recipient does not receive first attempt deliveries,the process 600A continues to block 622A and sends a request for thelocation of the preferred and available storage unit 402. At block 624A,the process 600A receives information relating to the location of thepreferred and available storage unit 402. The process 600A continues toblock 626A and sends a request to reserve an available storagereceptacle 132.

The process 600A continues at block 628A where the item is delivered tothe reserved storage receptacle 132 at the designated storage unit 402.At block 630A, the recipient is notified of the successful delivery ofthe item to the storage unit 402 and provided information relating topicking-up of the item from the storage unit 402. In some embodiments,this information may include a time frame in which pick-up is required,item identification information, any other information required toretrieve the item, and/or any other desired information. The process600A then terminates at block 632A

In some embodiments, the storage unit 402 and/or storage unit system 400is used to facilitate new types of deliveries. In one embodiment, forexample, a customer storage unit address is used to facilitate anonymousdelivery of items. As the customer storage unit address does notidentify the customer or their physical address, the customer storageunit address may allow delivery of items to a customer withoutdisclosing the identity of the customer to the originator of the item.This anonymity may facilitate customer safety and privacy in alltransactions, and may be particularly beneficial in electronictransactions, or transaction of sensitive items.

In some embodiments, a storage unit 402 may be used as an unmanned salesmerchant office. In one such embodiment, a storage unit 402 may bewholly or partly assigned for use to a merchant, and items ordered fromthe merchant are delivered to the storage unit 402. In some embodiments,these deliveries are available to registered users of the storage unit.In other embodiments, these deliveries are available to unregisteredrecipients of the storage unit 402. In embodiments in which a recipientis unregistered, a unique identifier is be used to identify therecipient to allow the recipient to pick-up the delivered item. In someembodiments, a government issued identification is be used as the uniqueidentifier. In other embodiments, the merchant provides a uniqueidentifier, such as a transaction number, a code, a password, a computerreadable identifier, or any other unique identifier to the itemrecipient. Upon inputting of the unique identifier, the storage unit 402allows the recipient to access their item.

In another embodiment, the storage unit 402 is be used in connectionwith day- and/or time-specific deliveries. In such an embodiment, thestorage unit includes instruction not to allow access to the contents ofstorage receptacles containing the items for day- and/or time-specificdelivery until the designated day and/or time has passed. Deliverycapability may beneficially facilitate sales and deliveries of itemshaving a particular release date, such as the release date of a product,including, for example, a book, a video, a device, a toy, or any otheritem.

In one embodiment, the storage unit system 400 is configured to enableproactive inventory management at the storage unit 402 and/or to enablecustomers to determine availability of storage receptacles at thedelivery location before sending an item. Advantageously, such inventorymanagement increases efficiency of operations.

In one embodiment, the storage unit system 400 is configured to providea vendor, business entity, or other entity the ability to reserve aparticular storage receptacle 132 on a one-time basis or on asubscription basis.

In one embodiment, a portion or all of the storage receptacles 132 at agiven storage unit 402 may be assigned to a specific customer. In thisembodiment, a customer may be assigned a specific storage receptacle132, and only items for that customer are delivered to that receptacle132.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods provide for keyless storageand/or retrieval of an item in a storage receptacle 132. Any of theprocesses described above with respect to FIGS. 8-11B may incorporatethe various systems and methods of keyless storage and/or retrieval ofan item in a storage receptacle 132 as described herein. In someembodiments, one of or all of the processes as shown in the flow chartsof FIGS. 12A-13B are incorporated therein.

FIG. 12A depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of itemstorage utilizing the storage system. In step 1202A, identificationinformation is received that is related to the item and/or to therecipient. Such information may include, for example, a parcel orpackage number or other specification and the name of the person forwhom it is being stored. This step may further include, for example,preliminarily receiving from a delivery agent an item such as a parcelto be stored in a receptacle, where the item is temporarily stored whilethe information is received. The agent may be opening a back side of acontrol unit or storage unit to access a computer, input device, printerand/or rear access of the storage receptacles. The system may alsoreceive from the agent the item and/or recipient identificationinformation. The information may include but is not limited to theidentification of the recipient and/or the recipient's deliverylocation, such as a P.O. box, as well as data related to the item, suchas its size.

The method then moves to decision step 1204A in which it is determinedwhether the intended recipient of the item is a registered user. Thisstep may include, for example, accessing a registered user database todetermine whether the recipient is registered. If the recipient is not aregistered user, the method may move to step 1206A where the item is notreceived in a receptacle, for example it may be indicated that the itemshould be sent to a different delivery location, such as another storagesystem, or a Post Office for conventional pickup at a counter.

If the recipient is a registered user, the method then moves fromdecision step 1204A to step 1208A in which an identification and/orpriority is assigned to the item. Assignment of such data may bemanually entered, for example by the delivery agent, or it may beautomatically generated by accessing data in a variety of databases,which are described in further detail herein for example with respect toFIG. 7B. The identification and priority, as discussed in further detailherein, may refer to the name of the recipient, the delivery locationfor the item, the level of priority given in using the storage system,etc. The priority in some embodiments is assigned based on data relatedto historical activity of the intended recipient and/or sender of theitem. In some embodiments, a higher priority is given if the senderand/or recipient are frequent and/or efficient users of the system.Frequency may refer to how often the sender and/or recipient has usedthe system over a specified period of time. Efficiency may refer to howquickly an intended recipient has responded to and/or picked up an itemin response to a notification that an item is available for pickup. Insome embodiments, a lower priority is assigned if the sender and/orrecipient are infrequent and/or inefficient users of the system.

The process then moves to decision step 1210A in which it is determinedif a storage receptacle is available. A storage database may be accessedto determine if a storage unit or receptacle is available for the givenitem and/or recipient. Availability may be determined on the basis ofthe size of the item, and/or the identification and/or priority given tothe item and/or recipient. If a storage receptacle is not available,then the process moves to step 1212A where it is indicated that thepackage should be sent to a different delivery location, such as anotherstorage system, or a Post Office for conventional pickup at a counter.

If a storage receptacle is available, then the process moves fromdecision step 1210A to step 1214A and the item is received in thereceptacle. The item may be received for example in the storagereceptacle via a rear access to the receptacle from a delivery agent whophysically places the item in the receptacle.

The process then moves to step 1216A in which user access information isassociated with the item and/or recipient. The user access information,for example a PIN, may be stored in, or be otherwise accessible to, thecontrol unit. The user access information, for example a bar code, mayalso be generated in this step. The user access information, asdiscussed in further detail herein for example with respect to FIG. 4,allows a user of the system to retrieve the item from the receptacle byproviding access information to the system that is associated with orotherwise corresponds to the user access information. Accessinformation, as discussed in further detail herein for example withrespect to FIGS. 13A and 13B, is the information provided to the controlunit to retrieve an item. The access information may be a PIN, analphanumeric series of digits and/or letters, a bar code, a QR code,etc. Generating the user access information may include for examplegenerating a random unique identifier using software and/or hardware inthe control unit. It may further comprise sending such data to a printerfor printing of the user access information. In some embodiments, theaccess information is the same as the user access information. Forexample, a receipt with a bar code may be the user access informationthat is generated and provided to the recipient. A user, for instancethe recipient, may later present or otherwise provide that same receiptas the access information.

The process then moves to step 1218A in which notice, such as noticeinformation 153, is provided to the recipient. As discussed in furtherdetail herein for example with respect to FIG. 4, providing the noticeto the recipient may comprise putting a message in the recipient'smailbox or P.O. box, emailing a message to the recipient, sending a textmessage to the recipient, putting a receipt in a recipient's mailbox orPost Office box, or otherwise physically and/or electronically sending amessage to the recipient. The notice information 153 may compriseinformation regarding the item and/or retrieval of the item. Forexample, the message may indicate that an item is available in areceptacle for pickup, how long the recipient has to retrieve the item,information about the item such as the sender, the date delivered, etc.The notice information 153 may also comprise the user accessinformation. For example, it may comprise a bar code, a QR code, a PINcode, etc.

FIG. 12B depicts a flow chart of another embodiment of a method of itemdelivery utilizing the storage system. The method begins with step 1202Bin which an item and/or recipient identification information isreceived. Such information may include, for example, a parcel or packagenumber or other specification and the name of the person for whom it isbeing stored. This step may further include, for example, preliminarilyreceiving from a delivery agent an item such as a parcel to be stored ina receptacle, where the item is temporarily stored while the informationis received. This step may further include, for example, preliminarilyreceiving from a delivery agent an item such as a parcel to be stored ina receptacle, where the item is temporarily stored while the informationis received. The agent may be opening a back side of a control unit orstorage unit to access a computer, input device, printer and/or rearaccess of the storage receptacles. The agent may enter the item and/orrecipient identification information into the computer, including butnot limited to the identification of the recipient and/or therecipient's delivery location, such as a P.O. box, as well as datarelated to the item, such as its size.

The process then moves to decision step 1204B in which it is determinedwhether a receptacle is available for storing the item. This step mayinvolve any of the features described above with respect to step 1210Ain FIG. 12A. If a receptacle is not available for storing an item, thenthe process moves to step 1206B and indicates that the item should besent to a different delivery location, such as another storage system,or a Post Office for conventional pickup at a counter. If a receptacleis available, then the process moves from step 1204B to step 1208B. Instep 1208B a storage receptacle in which to store the item is assigned.This step may involve any of the features described above with respectto step 1208A in FIG. 12A related to assigning an identification and/orpriority to the item and/or recipient of the item.

Next, the process moves to step 1210B where the item is received in thereceptacle. This may include, for example, receiving the item in thestorage receptacle via a rear access to the receptacle from a deliveryagent who physically places the item in the receptacle.

The process then moves to step 1212B in which user access information isassociated with the item and/or recipient. The user access information,for example a PIN, may be stored in, or be otherwise accessible to, thecontrol unit. The user access information, for example a bar code, mayalso be generated in this step. The user access information, asdiscussed in further detail herein for example with respect to FIG. 4,allows a user of the system to retrieve the item from the receptacle byproviding the access information to the system that is associated withor otherwise corresponds to the user access information. Accessinformation, as discussed in further detail herein for example withrespect to FIGS. 13A and 13B, is information or data provided to thecontrol unit by a user of the system. The access information may be aPIN, an alphanumeric series of digits and/or letters, a bar code, a QRcode, a fingerprint, a retina, a non-alphanumeric code used forchallenge-response authentication, etc. Generating the user accessinformation may include for example generating a random uniqueidentifier using software and/or hardware in the control unit. It mayfurther comprise sending such data to a printer for printing of the useraccess information. In some embodiments, the access information is thesame as the user access information. For example, a receipt with a barcode may be the user access information that is generated and providedto the recipient. A user, for instance the recipient, may later presentor otherwise provide that same receipt as the access information.

Then the method moves to step 1214B wherein notice, such as noticeinformation 153, is provided to the recipient of the item. As discussedin further detail herein for example with respect to FIG. 4, providingthe notice information 153 to the recipient may comprise putting amessage in the recipient's mailbox or P.O. box, emailing a message tothe recipient, sending a text message to the recipient, putting areceipt in a recipient's mailbox Post Office box, or otherwisephysically and/or electronically sending a message to the recipient. Thenotice information 153 may comprise information regarding the itemand/or retrieval of the item. For example, the message may indicate thatan item is available a receptacle for pickup, how long the recipient hasto retrieve the item, information about the item such as the sender, thedate delivered, etc. The notice information 153 may also comprise theuser access information. For example, it may comprise a bar code, a QRcode, a PIN, etc.

FIG. 13A depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1300 of itemretrieval utilizing the storage system. The method 1300 may begin withstep 1302A in which access information is received. The accessinformation is information or data provided to the interface 151 of acontrol unit by a user of the system. In some embodiments, the accessinformation may be a PIN, an alphanumeric series of digits and/orletters, a bar code, a QR code, a fingerprint, a retina, etc. Receivingthe access information may therefore include, for example, receiving aPIN entered on a number pad, receiving a series of letters and/ornumbers on a touch screen, scanning a bar code on a receipt or QR codeon a mobile phone, reading a fingerprint with a fingerprint scanner,scanning a retina with a retina scanner, etc. This step may also includereceiving access information in digital format, for example by wirelesscommunication with a device (e.g., a mobile phone, viaBluetooth/NFC/Internet etc.), wired communication with a device (forexample, a key fob). The access information may be received at thecontrol unit 144 or storage unit 100 or at a remote location such as ahome computer or on a mobile device.

The method 1300 may then move to decision step 1303A wherein it isdetermined if the access information corresponds to the user accessinformation. In some embodiments, the access information is compared tothe user access information. For instance, a PIN that is received instep 1302A may be compared to stored user access information. In someembodiments, a scanned bar code or QR code is compared to stored useraccess information. If the access information does not correspond to theuser access information, then the method 1300 moves to step 1305Awherein access is not provided to the receptacle. If the accessinformation does correspond to the user access information, then themethod 1300 moves to step 1304A wherein access is provided to thereceptacle.

In step 1304A, access to the storage receptacle is provided. This mayinclude any of the features or steps discussed above with respect tounsecuring or unlocking the receptacle. It may further include providinginformation related to the location of the receptacle in the unit or themethod of opening and/or unlocking the receptacle. For instance, it mayinclude directions on how to open and/or close the receptacle. It mayfurther include allowing a user to retrieve the item and thenautomatically closing and/or securing/locking the receptacle afterretrieval. In some embodiments, as discussed in further detail hereinfor example with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C, the control unit 144 may beseparate from the storage receptacle. Therefore, in some embodiments,step 1302A may be done in a different physical location than step 1304A.Many other variations and configurations of this step are possible eventhough not explicitly addressed herein and are within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13B depicts a flow chart of another embodiment of a method 1300 ofitem retrieval utilizing the storage system. The method 1300 may beginwith step 1302B in which access information is received. The accessinformation is information or data provided to the interface 151 of acontrol unit by a user of the system. In some embodiments, the accessinformation may be a PIN, an alphanumeric series of digits and/orletters, a bar code, a QR code, a fingerprint, a retina, etc. Receivingthe access information may therefore include, for example, receiving aPIN entered on a number pad, receiving a series of letters and/ornumbers on a touch screen, scanning a bar code on a receipt or QR codeon a mobile phone, reading a fingerprint with a fingerprint scanner,scanning a retina with a retina scanner, etc. This step may also includereceiving access information in digital format, for example byelectronic communication over the internet from a user. The accessinformation may be received at the control unit 144 or storage unit 100or at a remote location such as a home computer or on a mobile device.

The method 1300 may then move to decision step 1303B wherein it isdetermined if the access information corresponds to the user accessinformation. In some embodiments, the access information is compared tothe user access information. For instance, a PIN that is received instep 1302B may be compared to stored user access information. In someembodiments, a scanned bar code or QR code is compared to stored useraccess information. If the access information does not correspond to theuser access information, then the method 1300 moves to step 1305Bwherein access is not provided to the receptacle. If the accessinformation does correspond to the user access information, then themethod 1300 moves to step 1304B.

In step 1304B, an item identification is provided to a recipient or userof the system. The item identification may include for example thelocation of the storage receptacle, the sender of the item, therecipient of the item, a time period for pickup of the item, or anyother data related to the item. In some embodiments, and as discussed infurther detail herein for example with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C, thecontrol unit 144 may be separate from the storage receptacle. Therefore,in some embodiments, step 1302B may be done in a different physicallocation than step 1304B. Many other variations and configurations ofthis step are possible even though not explicitly addressed herein andare within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1400 ofdelivery of an item to a P.O. Box recipient using a storage unit. Themethod 1400 may be used when delivering an item to a recipient having atypical P.O. Box or other temporary mail box, storage, etc. in which therecipient may receive mail or other item deliveries for later pickup bythe recipient. In some embodiments, the method 1400 may be used todeliver items to recipients who use the boxes 163 described with respectto FIG. 5. These are just some examples and other P.O. Boxes, temporarystorage boxes, etc. may be used by the recipient.

The method 1400 begins with step 1405 wherein a delivery agent, such asa mail delivery person, selects “P.O. Box” on a screen of a storageunit. In some embodiments, the delivery agent may first log into thecomputer 135, which may contain the screen 148. In some embodiments, thescreen 148 as described with respect to FIGS. 1G and 3A-3C may be usedto choose the P.O. Box method. If the recipient is using a differenttemporary storage box other than a P.O. Box, the delivery agent mayselect another appropriate selection in step 1405. For example, in step1405 the delivery agent may select “Temporary Storage Box,” and thelike.

The method 1400 then moves to decision state 1410 wherein it isdetermined if the item being delivered, such as a package, has a barcodeor other readable identifier. In some embodiments, the item may have abarcode, QR code, or other readable identifier that can be read by ascanner or other machine of the storage unit. The delivery agent mayexamine the item to determine whether it contains such an identifier. Insome embodiments of decision state 1410, the bar code or otheridentifier may be read by the input device 147, described with respectto FIG. 1G. If the item has a bar code or other readable identifier, themethod 1400 then moves to decision state 1415. If the item does not havea bar code or other readable identifier, the method 1400 then moves tostep 1420.

In decision state 1415, it is determined whether the scanned identifier,such as a bar code, is associated with a zip code, such as an 11-digitzip code, and/or other information associated with a recipient. In someembodiments, data stored in a computer or other storage device issearched or otherwise accessed, for example the memory 170 as describedwith respect to FIG. 6, the user database 173 described with respect toFIG. 7B, and the like. In some embodiments, a network is utilized, suchas the network 169 described with respect to FIG. 7A. Further, inaddition or alternatively, other information may be searched in decisionstate 1415. For example, other information besides zip codes and/orother recipient information may be searched for, such as other personalidentification information. The zip code or other identificationinformation may be searched for in order to determine whether it isassociated with a recipient in order to determine certain informationassociated with the recipient, such as name, contact method, whetherthey have a signature on file, etc. If it is determined in decisionstate 1415 that such information is associated with a recipient, thenthe method 1400 moves to decision state 1430. If it is determined indecision state 1415 that such information is not associated with arecipient, then the method 1400 moves to step 1420.

In step 1420, the delivery agent may enter a P.O. Box identifier orother storage box information associated with the recipient. Forexample, if the bar code lookup fails, or if there is no bar code, thenthe delivery agent may manually enter a P.O. Box identifier, or othertemporary storage box number, or other recipient identifier. In someembodiments, the delivery agent may enter such information using theinput device 147 or screen 148, such as a touch screen, as described forexample with respect to FIG. 1G.

After step 1420, the method 1400 then moves to decision state 1425wherein it is determined whether contact information of the recipient isassociated with the information entered in step 1420. In someembodiments, decision step 1425 may use the information entered in step1420, such as a P.O. Box number, and search a database. For instance,the database 171 or memory 170, as described for example in FIG. 6,and/or the database 174 described with respect to FIG. 7B, may besearched to determine whether a recipient name or other contactinformation is associated with the information. In some embodiments, anetwork, such as the network 169 described with respect to FIGS. 7A-7B,may be utilized to search an external database. If it is determined indecision state 1425 that no contact information is associated with theinformation, then the method 1400 moves to step 1450. If it isdetermined in decision state 1425 that contact information is associatedwith the information, then the method 1400 moves to decision state 1430.

In decision state 1430, it is determined whether a signature is requiredor whether a signature is on file. In some embodiments, the database 171or memory 170, as described for example in FIG. 6, and/or the database174 described with respect to FIG. 7B, may be searched to determinewhether a signature is required or if a signature is already possessedby the system. In some embodiments, a network, such as the network 169described with respect to FIGS. 7A-7B, may be utilized to search anexternal database for a signature requirement or if a signature isalready possessed. If it is determined in decision state 1430 that asignature is required and that the recipient does not have a signatureon file, then the method 1400 moves to step 1435. If it is determined indecision state 1430 that a signature is not required, or alternativelythat a signature is required and the recipient has a signature on file,then the method 1400 moves to step 1440.

In step 1435, a message indicating that the item cannot be deposited ina storage unit is communicated to the delivery agent. In someembodiments, an error message is displayed. For example, the screen 148may display an error message indicating that the storage unit 100 or thereceptacle 132 cannot be used to deliver the item.

In step 1440, information indicating the identity of the recipient iscommunicated to the delivery agent. In some embodiments, the last nameof a customer recipient is displayed. For example, the screen 148 maydisplay the last name or other recipient-identifying information. Afterstep 1440, the method 1400 then moves to decision state 1445.

In decision state 1445, it is determined whether therecipient-identifying information communicated in step 1440 correspondsto the recipient name on the item to be delivered. In some embodiments,the name on a box or other package being delivered is compared to thelast name displayed in step 1440. For example, the delivery agent mayexamine the name on an item being delivered and compare it to the lastname displayed in step 1440 to determine whether they match. If it isdetermined in decision state 1445 that the recipient-identifyinginformation communicated in step 1440 corresponds to the recipient nameon the item to be delivered, then the method 1400 moves to step 1455. Ifit is determined in decision state 1445 that the recipient-identifyinginformation communicated in step 1440 does not correspond to therecipient name on the item to be delivered, then the method 1400 movesto step 1450.

In step 1450, a receptacle is identified for delivery of the item andnotice information, such as a receipt, is produced. In some embodiments,the control unit 144 identifies an available receptacle 132 of thestorage unit 100. The identified receptacle can be included in thenotice information, which may be on a receipt. In some embodiments, areceipt may be printed. For example, the printer 152 may print thereceipt 149, as described respectively with respect to FIGS. 1G and 4.In some embodiments, the notice information 153, as described withrespect to FIG. 4, is produced. For example, in addition oralternatively to a receipt, a text message or other communication may beproduced. After step 1450, the method 1400 then moves to step 1460wherein the item to be delivered is deposited in the receptacle. In someembodiments, the door 136 of the receptacle 132 may open automatically.In some embodiments, the item may be placed into the receptacle 132 bythe delivery agent. In some embodiments, the door 136 of the receptacle132 may be closed by the delivery agent. After step 1455, the method1400 then moves to step 1465, wherein the notice information iscommunicated to the recipient. In some embodiments, the receipt may bedeposited into the P.O. Box of the recipient. For example, the deliveryagent may place the receipt into one of the boxes 163 described withrespect to FIG. 5. In some embodiments, a text or electronic mailmessage may be sent to the recipient. For example, the network 169 maybe utilized to send an electronic communication.

In step 1455, a receptacle is identified for delivery of the item andthe item is deposited in the receptacle. In some embodiments, thecontrol unit 144 identifies an available receptacle 132 of the storageunit 100. In some embodiments, one of the receptacles 132 as describedwith respect to FIG. 1A may be identified. In some embodiments, the door136 of the receptacle 132 may open automatically. In some embodiments,the item may be placed into the receptacle 132 by the delivery agent. Insome embodiments, the door 136 of the receptacle 132 may be closed bythe delivery agent. After step 1455, the method 1400 then moves to step1470.

In step 1470, a communication is sent to the recipient indicating thatthe recipient has an item in a receptacle for pickup. In someembodiments, the notice information 153 is communicated to therecipient. For example, the network 169 may be utilized to send anelectronic communication that includes the receptacle-identifyinginformation, address or location of the storage unit 100 and/orreceptacle, a bar code to be scanned, etc.

FIG. 15 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1500 ofstandard delivery of an item using a storage unit 100. In someembodiments, the storage unit 100 may be used with the method 1500.

The method 1500 begins with step 1505 wherein a delivery agent, such asa mail delivery person, selects “Standard Delivery,” or other deliveryoption, on an input device, such as screen 148, of a storage unit 100.In some embodiments, the delivery agent may first log into the computer135. In some embodiments, the screen 148 as described with respect toFIGS. 1G and 3A-3C may be used.

The method 1500 then moves to decision state 1510 wherein it isdetermined if the item being delivered, such as a package, has a barcodeor other readable identifier. Decision state 1510 may be similar todecision state 1410 described with respect to method 1400 in FIG. 14. Indecision state 1510, if the item has a bar code or other readableidentifier, the method 1500 then moves to decision state 1515. If theitem does not have a bar code or other readable identifier, the method1500 then moves to step 1520.

In decision state 1515, it is determined whether the scanned identifier,such as a bar code, is associated with a zip code, such as an 11-digitzip code, and/or other information associated with a recipient. Decisionstate 1515 may be similar to decision state 1415 described with respectto method 1400 in FIG. 14. In decision state 1515, if it is determinedthat such information is associated with a recipient, then the method1500 moves to decision state 1530. If it is determined in decision state1515 that such information is not associated with a recipient, then themethod 1500 moves to step 1520.

In step 1520, the delivery agent may enter in information associatedwith the recipient. Step 1520 may be similar to step 1420 described withrespect to method 1400 in FIG. 14. For example, if the bar code lookupfails, or if there is no bar code, then the delivery agent may manuallyenter the recipient's name, account number, etc. In some embodiments,the delivery agent may enter such information using the input device 147or screen 148, such as a touch screen, as described for example withrespect to FIG. 1G.

After step 1520, the method 1500 then moves to decision state 1525wherein it is determined whether contact information of the recipient isassociated with the information entered in step 1520. Decision state1525 may be similar to decision state 1425 described with respect tomethod 1400 in FIG. 14. If it is determined in decision state 1525 thatno contact information is associated with the information, then themethod 1500 moves to step 1560. In step 1560, the item is not deliveredusing the storage unit and is instead delivered using alternativedelivery methods. If it is determined in decision state 1525 thatcontact information is associated with the information, then the method1500 moves to decision state 1530.

In decision state 1530, it is determined whether a signature is requiredor whether a signature is on file. Decision state 1530 may be similar todecision state 1430 described with respect to method 1400 in FIG. 14. Ifit is determined in decision state 1530 that a signature is required andthat the recipient does not have a signature on file, then the method1500 moves to step 1535. If it is determined in decision state 1530 thata signature is not required, or alternatively that a signature isrequired and the recipient has a signature on file, then the method 1500moves to step 1540.

In step 1535, a message indicating that the item cannot be deposited ina storage unit is communicated to the delivery agent. Step 1530 may besimilar to step 1435 described with respect to method 1400 in FIG. 14.

In step 1540, information indicating the identity of the recipient iscommunicated to the delivery agent. Step 1540 may be similar to step1440 described with respect to method 1400 in FIG. 14. After step 1540,the method 1500 then moves to decision state 1545.

In decision state 1545, it is determined whether therecipient-identifying information communicated in step 1540 correspondsto the recipient name on the item to be delivered. Decision state 1545may be similar to decision state 1445 described with respect to method1400 in FIG. 14. If it is determined in decision state 1545 that therecipient-identifying information communicated in step 1540 correspondsto the recipient name on the item to be delivered, then the method 1500moves to step 1550. If it is determined in decision state 1445 that therecipient-identifying information communicated in step 1540 does notcorrespond to the recipient name on the item to be delivered, then themethod 1500 moves to step 1560. In step 1560, as mentioned, the item isnot delivered using the storage unit and is instead delivered usingalternative delivery methods.

In step 1550, a receptacle is identified for delivery of the item andthe item is deposited in the receptacle. Step 1550 may be similar tostep 1455 described with respect to method 1400 in FIG. 14. After step1550, the method 1500 then moves to step 1555.

In step 1555, a communication is sent to the recipient indicating thatthe recipient has an item in a receptacle for pickup. Step 1555 may besimilar to step 1470 described with respect to method 1400 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 1600 ofretrieval of an item by a recipient using a storage unit. In someembodiments, the method 1600 may be used with the storage unit 100and/or the control unit 144 to access an item such as a package from thereceptacle 132.

The method 1600 may begin with either step 1605 or step 1610. In step1605, a recipient enters information corresponding to the item. In someembodiments, the recipient keys in the barcode or pin or pickup code.The recipient may have received such information on a receipt or in anelectronic communication, such as electronic mail, text message, etc. Insome embodiments, the recipient enters information contained on thenotice information 153, such as the receipt 149 described with respectto FIG. 4. For example, the recipient may manually enter the user accessinformation 151, which may be a bar code, numerical code, etc. Therecipient may enter the information on the interface 150 or otherfeature of the control unit 144. In some embodiments, the screen 148 maybe used to confirm a recipient's selection and to display informationrelated to step 1605. For example, the recipient may select the # key toconfirm entry of a code.

Alternatively, the method 1600 may begin with step 1610, wherein useraccess information such as a bar code is read. In some embodiments, thenotice information 153 contains the user access information 153 which isread by the interface 150, which may be a scanner. For example, thereceipt 149 or a mobile device may contain a bar code, QR code, or otherreadable information.

After either of steps 1605 or 1610 is performed, the method 1600 thenmoves to decision state 1615 wherein it is determined if there is aconnection to a network such as a Central Management System (“CMS”). Insome embodiments, it may be determined whether the control unit 144 iscommunicatively connected with the network 169, which may be a CMS. Insome embodiments, it may be determined in step 1615 if there is aconnection to a database, storage or memory, such as the storagedatabase 174, the user database 173, the memory 170, the priority module175, and/or the database 171. If it is determined in decision state 1615that there is a connection to a network, the method 1600 then moves tostep 1625. If it is determined in decision state 1615 that there is nota connection to a network, the method 1600 then moves to step 1620.

In step 1620, a local database is checked. In some embodiments, thememory 170 and/or database 171 is accessed to look up the informationreceived in either step 1605 or 1610. These are just some examples, andother databases or memories may be accessed. The local database may bechecked in step 1620 to verify the information received in step 1605 or1610. For example, information may be accessed in step 1620 that allowsfor confirmation of the validity of the information in a following stepof the method 1600. In some embodiments, a receptacle such as thereceptacle 132 may be identified that is associated with suchinformation. After step 1620, the method 1600 moves to decision state1630, as described below.

In step 1625, the network such as a CMS is checked. In some embodiments,the storage database 174, the user database 173, the memory 170, thepriority module 175, and/or the database 171 is/are accessed to look upthe information received in either step 1605 or 1610. These are justsome examples, and other databases or memories may be accessed. Suchinformation may be assessed similarly as described with respect to step1620. After step 1625, the method 1600 moves to decision state 1630.

At decision state 1630, it is determined whether the user accessinformation or other received code is valid. In some embodiments, it isdetermined whether the user access information 151 and/or noticeinformation 153 is valid. For example, the information accessed ineither step 1620 or 1625 may be compared to the information received ineither step 1605 or 1610 to determine whether the recipient should begiven access to the receptacle. In some embodiments, in decision state1630 it may be determined that the information is valid if a receptacle,such as the receptacle 132, is identified that is associated with suchinformation. If it is determined in decision state 1630 that the useraccess information is not valid, then the method moves to step 1635wherein access is not permitted to the receptacle. If it is determinedin decision state 1630 that the user access information is valid, thenthe method moves to step 1640.

In step 1640, access to the corresponding receptacle is allowed, forexample by opening the corresponding receptacle 132, which may be alocker. In some embodiments, the receptacle 132 identified in steps 1620or 1625 or in decision state 1630 is opened. After step 1640, the method1600 moves to step 1645.

In step 1645, data is sent to a database indicating successful retrievalof the item. In some embodiments, the database is a local database, suchas the memory 170 and/or database 171. In some embodiments, the databaseis a remote or networked database, such as the network 169 or userdatabase 173. In some embodiments, these or other databases may beupdated or otherwise written to in order to indicate that the useraccess information has been used. For example, it may be communicatedthat the user access information 151 has been used such that it cannotbe used again to access the receptacle 132.

Those of skill will recognize that the various illustrative logicalblocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronichardware, software stored on a computer readable medium and executableby a processor, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate thisinterchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrativecomponents, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been describedabove generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the present invention.

The logical blocks, modules and flow chart sequences are illustrativeonly. A person of skill in the art will understand that the steps,decisions, and processes embodied in the flowcharts described herein maybe performed in an order other than that described herein. Thus, theparticular flowcharts and descriptions are not intended to limit theassociated processes to being performed in the specific order described.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processorreads information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Inthe alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor.The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. As will be recognized, the present invention may be embodiedwithin a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits setforth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately fromothers. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claimsrather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come withinthe meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embracedwithin their scope.

A person skilled in the art will recognize that each of thesesub-systems may be inter-connected and controllably connected using avariety of techniques and hardware and that the present disclosure isnot limited to any specific method of connection or connection hardware.

The technology is operational with numerous other general purpose orspecial purpose computing system environments or configurations.Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-heldor laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems,a microcontroller or microcontroller based system, programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,distributed computing environments that include any of the above systemsor devices, and the like.

As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps forprocessing information in the system. Instructions may be implemented insoftware, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed stepundertaken by components of the system.

A microprocessor may be any conventional general purpose single- ormulti-chip microprocessor such as a Pentium® processor, a Pentium® Proprocessor, a 8051 processor, a MIPS® processor, a Power PC® processor,or an Alpha® processor. In addition, the microprocessor may be anyconventional special purpose microprocessor such as a digital signalprocessor or a graphics processor. The microprocessor typically hasconventional address lines, conventional data lines, and one or moreconventional control lines.

The system may be used in connection with various operating systems suchas Linux®, UNIX® or Microsoft Windows®.

The system control may be written in any conventional programminglanguage such as C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, .NET (e.g., C#), or Java, andran under a conventional operating system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java,and FORTRAN are industry standard programming languages for which manycommercial compilers may be used to create executable code. The systemcontrol may also be written using interpreted languages such as Perl,Python or Ruby. Other languages may also be used such as PHP,JavaScript, and the like.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however,that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems,devices, and methods may be practiced in many ways. As is also statedabove, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology whendescribing certain features or aspects of the invention should not betaken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to berestricted to including any specific characteristics of the features oraspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intendedto fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciatedby those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment areinterchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from adepicted embodiment may be included with other depicted embodiments inany combination. For example, any of the various components describedherein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged orexcluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patentapplications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosurecontained in the specification, the specification is intended tosupersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended anddoes not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

All numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understoodas being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly,unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth inthe specification and attached claims are approximations that may varydepending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by thepresent invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number ofsignificant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.

The above description discloses several methods and materials of thepresent invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in themethods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methodsand equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilledin the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of theinvention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that thisinvention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, butthat it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the truescope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for storage of an item, the systemcomprising: a plurality of electronically controllable storagereceptacles, wherein one of the plurality of storage receptaclescontains the item; and a control circuit in communicating connectionwith the plurality of storage receptacles, wherein the control circuitis configured to: receive delivery information identifying an intendedrecipient of the item, generate a recipient access code for the one ofthe plurality of storage receptacles which contains the item; generate anotice including the recipient access code, provide the notice to theintended recipient; receive the recipient access code via an interfaceat the plurality of storage receptacles; associate the recipient accesscode with the one of the plurality of storage receptacles based on apriority function, wherein the priority function comprises a parameterrelated to at least one of historical frequency of use of the system bythe intended recipient and efficiency of use of the system by theintended recipient; and provide access to the storage receptaclecontaining the item based only on the received recipient access code. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the recipient access code is personalidentification information associated with the recipient.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further configured to:prohibit use of the recipient access code to access the storagereceptacles following providing access to the storage receptacles. 4.The system of claim 3, wherein the recipient access code is a PIN andthe interface is a number pad.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein therecipient access code is a bar code and the interface is a bar codescanner.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a control unitcomprising the control circuit and having a first side and a second sideopposite the first side, wherein the first side comprises the interfaceand the second side comprises an agent interface, wherein the interfacecomprises a plurality of access points to the plurality of storagereceptacles, and wherein the agent interface comprises rear access tothe plurality of storage receptacles.
 7. The system of claim 6, theagent interface further comprising: a display; an input device incommunicating connection with the display; and a recipient access codegenerator in communicating connection with the input device.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a control unit comprising thecontrol circuit and having a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side; and a rotatable frame, wherein the first side comprises theinterface and the second side comprises an agent interface, wherein therotatable frame is coupled with the plurality of storage receptacles andthe control unit such that rotation of the frame rotates the pluralityof storage receptacles and the control unit.
 9. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a storage receptacle module comprising at least oneof the storage receptacles and configured to be coupled to and decoupledfrom the system.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface isconfigured to receive the recipient access code from a mobile device.11. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface is a scanner and therecipient access code is a QR code.
 12. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a user database.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol circuit is further configured to wirelessly transmit the noticeto the intended recipient.
 14. A method of storing an item in a storagereceptacle, the method comprising: a plurality of electronicallycontrollable storage receptacles, wherein one of the plurality ofstorage receptacles contains the item; receiving delivery informationidentifying an intended recipient of the item; generating a recipientaccess code for the one of the plurality of storage receptacles whichcontains the item; generating a notice including the recipient accesscode; providing the notice to the intended recipient; receiving therecipient access code via an interface at the plurality of storagereceptacles; associating the recipient access code with the storagereceptacle based on a priority function, wherein the priority functioncomprises a parameter related to at least one of historical frequency ofuse of the system by the intended recipient and efficiency of use of thesystem by the intended recipient; and providing access to the storagereceptacle containing the item based only on the received recipientaccess code.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the recipient accesscode is a personal identification code associated with the recipient.16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: prohibiting use of therecipient access code to access the storage receptacle followingproviding access to the receptacle.
 17. The method of claim 14, whereinthe recipient access code is a bar code, the interface is a bar codescanner, and receiving the recipient access code comprises scanning thebar code.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein providing access to thestorage receptacle comprises unsecuring the storage receptacle.
 19. Asystem for storage of an item, the system comprising: a plurality ofelectronically controllable storage receptacles, wherein one of theplurality of storage receptacles contains the item; means for receivingdelivery information identifying an intended recipient of the item;means for generating a recipient access code for the one of theplurality of storage receptacles which contains the item; means forgenerating a notice including the recipient access code; means forproviding the notice to the intended recipient; means for receiving therecipient access code via an interface at the plurality of storagereceptacles; means for associating the recipient access code with theone of the plurality of storage receptacles which contains the itembased on a priority function, wherein the priority function comprises aparameter related to at least one of historical frequency of use of thesystem by the intended recipient and efficiency of use of the system bythe intended recipient; and means for providing access to the storagereceptacle containing the item based only on the received recipientaccess code.